Black tea is considered to be one of the most consumed beverages in the world, not including water. With this forcefulness we begin the article where we will talk about the properties of black tea.
Its origin, like many other teas (green, red, white, etc.) comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. The difference it has with respect to the other infusions is based on the process of transformation of the leaves, which can be subjected to oxidation or fermentation (such as Rooibos tea).
Its flavor, as its color indicates, is much stronger than the rest of infusions of Camellia sinensis, and is that its caffeine content it is much higher than the rest.
Therefore, together with the high concentration of antioxidants it contains, it has an innumerable list of beneficial effects that we will detail throughout this article.
Little by little, according to research, the properties of black tea are scientifically supported, and this type of infusions are fashionable and are increasingly accepted by the population, so its consumption is increasing.
Chemical composition
One of the most important components that are part of the properties of black tea are the Catechins. This compound stands out for its fantastic antioxidant properties, and that is why they are responsible for eliminating and complexing the free radicals that are formed in our body.
Therefore, along with other antioxidants and polyphenols, black tea is associated with the prevention of certain types of cancer, coronary heart disease and hypertension.
To put us in a situation, 1 single cup of black tea contains more than 200 mg flavonoids, substances based on polyphenols that strengthen the immune system and promote the prevention of diseases.
Among these compounds we find the following:
- Guanine: natural stimulant that is part of the DNA.
- Xanthine: another natural stimulant related to caffeine.
- Tannins: bitter-tasting substances that favor the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
- Tenubiginas: a powerful flavonoid with great antioxidant capacity.
- Theaflavin: a powerful flavonoid with great antioxidant capacity.
In addition, black tea contains between 3% and 4% caffeine, so the properties of black tea represent a drink with great capacity to stimulate the nervous system and the alert system.
If we want healthy options with lower caffeine content, then we have to resort to other infusions such as white tea.
List of properties of black tea
We will know the different properties of black tea, scientifically endorsed or waiting for confirmation.
As for the medicinal properties of a plant or substance, it is usually assessed by ‘recognised efficacy’, ‘possible efficacy’ or ‘unjustified efficacy’. In the case of black tea, the greatest scientific responses have confirmed good results for many health problems, as we will tell in the different properties.
1. Black tea poppies to improve focus and attention
There is no doubt that products containing caffeine stimulate the central nervous system to facilitate attention, study or keep us awake.
Black tea is the infusion from Camellia sinensis that more caffeine contains, in addition to an amino acid known as L-theanine, which intervene in improving alertness and concentration.
This L-theanine is also able to increase alpha brain activity, which leads to a state of concentration but without nervousness, with greater relaxation than through other stimulants.
Scientific studies have obtained answers where these types of beverages containing L-theanine and caffeine have a greater effect than caffeine alone (such as coffee) on the brain. [See study]
Two additional studies tested the properties of black tea in alertness and attention to certain stimuli.
In these trials, black tea increased importantly accuracy and alertness compared to placebos. [See study]
The black tea favors the improvement of the concentration due to the caffeine content added to the amino acid L-theanine. This amino acid is involved in alpha activity in the brain, so it favors the improvement of focus and alertness.
2. Benefits of Green Tea for Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Different infusions from the plant have been studied Camellia sinensis such as white tea, green tea and red tea, evaluating the response in decreasing the concentration of sugars in diabetic people.
Specifically, to evaluate the response of type 2 diabetes and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases, depressive states and renal failure. [See study]
Black tea is an infusion that does not contain sugar and has been shown to promote the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin.
Research looked at the properties of black tea to activate insulin production. The results concluded that black tea increased insulin activity more than 15 times.
In parallel, the compound that intervened directly in this property was identified, and is specifically the catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate. [See study]
Evidence has also been found confirming that black tea activates the metabolization of blood sugar, so it favors the balance of glucose levels in the bloodstream. [See study].
Another study shows that black tea does not work as a preventive of type 2 diabetes, but it does work to control levels once you have the disease.
3. The properties of black tea may help reduce the risk of cancer
Many current compounds are commonly known (without clinical trials to support them) as cancer preventatives.
However, there are so many types of cancer that it is very difficult to generalize concepts.
At this point, the properties of black tea have shown that, thanks to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidant substances, it is possible to intervene in the survival of cancer cells.
There is a study where it is observed how these polyphenols intervene in programmed cell death, avoiding uncontrolled multiplication and the onset of tumors. [See study]
Specifically, it has been scientifically proven to improve cell survival and reduce the spread of tumors (metastases) in breast cancer.
Another study looked at the effects of polyphenols in black tea about breast cancer. Black tea has been shown to help overcome the spread of hormone-dependent breast tumors.
This same trial has been replicated for other types of cancer with satisfactory results, such as ovarian cancer. In the latter in particular, the properties of black tea are categorized by health authorities as “possibly effective”.
The same is not true for other types of cancer such as stomach cancer (“possibly ineffective”), esophagus, vegija, etc., so more studies are needed to prove the properties of black tea in this field.
4. The Benefits of Green Tea May Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Ischemic disease is one of the current problems that cause more deaths as a natural disease, above respiratory diseases or lung obstructions.
The prevention of this disease is very important and much research has been done on the intake of vitamins, vegetables, low-fat diet and sport to reduce by up to 80% the chances of suffering a cardiovascular accident.
As for the properties of black tea, it has been shown how it can also help, along with the above tips, to prevent this disease.
A study of more than 70,000 people and 10 years evaluated the response of black tea to the risk of vascular accident, resulting in a 32% reduction in the probability of suffering from this disease. [See study]
Along with this infusion and looking for these properties, we can combine this tea with the infusion of rooibos.
5. May help reduce blood pressure
The continuous intake of antioxidants and polyphenols help to control, as has been seen in other types of infusions, blood pressure.
This issue affects un very high percentage of the world’s population (today almost one billion people). Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a periodic control of this problem that works silently.
A scientific study evaluated the role of black tea’s properties in lowering blood pressure. This meant the consumption of 3 cups of black tea daily for 6 months, something that is not uncomfortable given the high amount of coffee consumed in the world on a daily basis.
The results demonstrated a significant decrease both systolic and diastolic pressure, compared to the control or placebo group. [See study]
In any case, more research is needed to conclude the positive effect of black tea against hypertension, as well as its combination with other relaxation therapies and improvement of the diet in general.
6. May improve heart health
The benefits found in the prevention of strokes can also be applied in the health of the circulatory system.
This is given by the high content (almost 200 mg per cup of polyphenols) of flavonoids and antioxidants, which are directly involved in heart health.
Regular consumption of this type of substances favors the response of the cardiovascular system, reducing high blood pressure, reducing triglyceride levels and metabolizing body fat.
A research carried out where the properties of black tea were evaluated from the consumption of three cups of black tea per day concluded in an 11% reduction of developing cardiovascular diseases. [See study]
7. May lower “bad” LDL cholesterol
Total cholesterol levels can be classified into low-density cholesterol (LDL) and high-density cholesterol (HDL). Who should be feared is the considered bad cholesterol (LDL), because this lipoprotein is associated with the cellular transport throughout the body of triglycerides.
This excess cholesterol produces arterial obstruction and creates waxy deposits in the plaques, causing cardiovascular disease or thrombus.
Scientific studies have linked the properties of black tea with the reduction of LDL cholesterol, with a 36% drop in triglyceride levels and a greater balance between LDL/HDL cholesterol. [See study]
However, data from other studies show contradictions in the results. For example, another study concluded that the intake of 5 cups of black tea (a fairly high amount) only reduced it by 11% in people with a slight increase in LDL cholesterol.
8. Properties of black tea as an antioxidant
The main effects of black tea are based on its high content of compounds considered antioxidants. This has countless health benefits and prevents a large number of diseases (coronary, respiratory, vascular, etc.).
The groups of polyphenols (theaflavins) that are most involved in these properties of black tea are catechins, tearubigins and sordlavins and the, are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea and can promote overall health. [See study]
Its activity has been demonstrated against diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, specifically those known as sordlavins.
A reduction in body weight (and % fat) has been shown in people taking high amounts of catechins for 1 year, in both black and green tea.
Contraindications of black tea
As in almost all medicinal plants, there may be contraindications and side effects within the properties of black tea.
A compatibility study has been carried out for certain problems, establishing the following concepts.
The moderate intake of black tea it is probably safe for most adults.
The high tea intake, as much as 5 cups per day has not been diagnosed.
This high intake is related to the effects of excess caffeine on the body. You can suffer from disorders such as headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, irritability, tremor, heartburn or dizziness.
But only in the case of a high consumption of black tea, due to the high concentration of caffeine it contains.
Anaemia: The consumption of black tea may be related to worsening the effects of anemia in people with iron deficiency, because it helps its expulsion.
Bleeding disorders: concentrationIt is high caffeine can reduce blood clotting, so it is not advisable to consume it if you suffer from bleeding problems.
Diarrhoea– the caffeine contained in the properties of black tea can worsen the diarrheal process.
Osteoporosis: Regular drinking of black tea can increase the level of calcium eliminated in the urine. This can encourage further bone degradation.
It is not recommended to drink more than 300 mg of caffeine per day (between 2 and 3 cups of black tea).
However, in case of suffering from other ailments, the higher consumption of calcium while drinking black tea can compensate for its reduction and take advantage of the remaining properties of black tea.
Do you know more scientifically endorsed properties of black tea?
