Health Benefits of Tea: Black Tea (Volume 1)

by Dr Marli Botha

Excluding water, black tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is often blended with other plants for different flavours. Black tea has stronger flavour and contains more caffeine than most other teas, but less caffeine than coffee. Black tea also offers a variety of health benefits because it contains antioxidants and compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK TEA:

1. Studies funded by the Tea Trade Health Research Association suggests that black tea reduces plaque formation as well as inhibit bacterial growth that leads to cavities and tooth decay.Polyphenols found in black tea can hinder cavity-causing bacteria that form the sticky-like material that binds plaque to our teeth. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841993/
2. We all are aware and well experienced about the calming and relaxing benefits of a nice cup of black tea. Not only does it help slow you down after a long day, studies show that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you relax and concentrate better. Black tea has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol when consumed in moderate amounts on a regular basis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/
3. As you age, the strength of your bones starts to decline. However, scientists have observed that people who drink black tea can significantly restore bone density. For this reason, drinking black tea may also reduce the risk of fractures that most commonly occur in the elderly due to osteoporosis. Rats that were given black tea extracts were found to have better bone density. Therefore, if you are 30, make black tea a part of your diet to preserve bone density, and prevent osteoporosis and the risk of fractures. Drinking tea, in general, was also found to reduce hip fracture risk. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15228990/
4. Black tea can help you achieve healthy skin too. It could fight against skin infections and blemishes, delay skin aging, and reduce eye puffiness. The polyphenols and tannins in black tea are linked to skin cell rejuvenation. Tea catechins and flavonoids may help prevent skin infections. If you frequently experience skin infections, taking black tea in addition to your medication may accelerate the healing process. Apart from drinking black tea to prevent skin damage, you may also apply it topically.
5. Most people can tolerate drinking 3 to 4 cups of black tea per day. Make sure you do not go beyond 5 cups of black tea per day. Excessive amounts of caffeine may be dangerous to your health.

It is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them. The one thing you should always do before using a new skin care product is to do a patch test to look for allergies and sensitivities.