Black tea is considered one of the most consumed beverages in the world, excluding water. This statement sets the stage for our discussion on the properties of black tea.
Like many other teas (green, red, white, etc.), black tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference between black tea and other teas lies in the processing of the leaves, which undergo oxidation or fermentation (similar to Rooibos tea).
As its color suggests, black tea has a much stronger flavor than other Camellia sinensis infusions, and its caffeine content is significantly higher.
Therefore, due to its high concentration of antioxidants, black tea offers many beneficial effects, which we will detail throughout this article.
Gradually, scientific research is validating the properties of black tea, and this type of infusion is becoming increasingly popular and widely accepted, leading to a rise in its consumption.
Table of Contents
The Chemical Composition of Black Tea
One of the most important components contributing to the properties of black tea is catechins. These compounds stand out for their fantastic antioxidant properties, making them responsible for eliminating and neutralizing free radicals formed in our bodies.
Along with other antioxidants and polyphenols, black tea is associated with preventing certain types of cancer, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
To give some perspective, a single cup of black tea contains more than 200 mg of flavonoids, polyphenol-based substances that strengthen the immune system and help prevent diseases.
Among these compounds, we find the following:
- Guanine: A natural stimulant that is part of DNA.
- Xanthine: Another natural stimulant related to caffeine.
- Tannins: Bitter-tasting substances that help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Thearubigins: Powerful flavonoids with significant antioxidant capacity.
- Theaflavins: Another group of powerful flavonoids with great antioxidant capacity.
Additionally, black tea contains between 3% and 4% caffeine, giving it a strong ability to stimulate the nervous system and enhance alertness.
Other infusions such as white tea are preferable for those seeking healthy options with lower caffeine content.
Comprehensive List of Black Tea Properties
We will explore the various properties of black tea, some scientifically endorsed and others awaiting confirmation.
When evaluating the medicinal properties of a plant or substance, they are typically categorized as ‘recognized efficacy,’ ‘potential efficacy,’ or ‘unsubstantiated efficacy.’ In the case of black tea, scientific research has largely confirmed positive results for many health issues, as we will discuss in the following sections.
- DISTINCTIVE TASTE- This loose black tea blend provides a full bodied taste that is both rich and smooth with fruity and floral hints; It comes with a fragrant aroma, and is notably less astringent than Assam teas and less flowery than typical Darjeelings; Ceylon is a great thirst quencher and is naturally high in antioxidants making it a healthy and life sustaining morning tradition; While distinctive in flavor and body, the smooth mellow character of this tea makes it a great daily beverage
Black Tea Boosts Focus and Attention
There is no doubt that products containing caffeine stimulate the central nervous system to enhance attention, study, or keep us awake.
Black tea, derived from Camellia sinensis, contains the highest caffeine content among all teas, along with an amino acid known as L-theanine, which contributes to improving alertness and concentration.
L-theanine is also capable of increasing alpha brain activity, leading to a state of concentration without nervousness and greater relaxation compared to other stimulants.
Scientific studies have shown that beverages containing both L-theanine and caffeine have a more significant effect on the brain than caffeine alone, such as coffee. [See study]
Two additional studies have tested the effects of black tea on alertness and attention to specific stimuli.
In these trials, black tea notably increased accuracy and alertness compared to placebos. [See study]
Black tea promotes concentration improvement due to its caffeine content combined with the amino acid L-theanine. This amino acid influences alpha activity in the brain, thus enhancing focus and alertness.
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.
The 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 prevention of type 2 diabetes, but it does work to control levels once you have the disease.
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, with so many types of cancer, generalizing concepts becomes exceedingly challenging.
Black tea’s properties have demonstrated that, owing to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidant substances, it’s possible to intervene in the survival of cancer cells.
A study illustrates how these polyphenols influence programmed cell death, preventing uncontrolled multiplication and the onset of tumors. [See study]
Specifically, scientific evidence has shown that black tea can enhance cell survival and reduce the spread of tumors (metastases) in breast cancer.
Another study explored the effects of black tea polyphenols on breast cancer. Black tea has been observed to inhibit 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. Particularly in the case of ovarian cancer, health authorities classify black tea properties as “possibly effective.”
However, the same level of efficacy isn’t established for other types of cancer, such as stomach cancer (“possibly ineffective”), esophagus, and bladder cancer, among others. Therefore, further studies are required to confirm black tea’s properties in these areas.
The Benefits of Green Tea May Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Ischemic disease stands out as one of the leading causes of natural deaths, surpassing respiratory diseases and lung obstructions.
Preventing this disease is paramount, prompting extensive research into strategies such as vitamin intake, consumption of vegetables, adherence to low-fat diets, and engagement in physical activity, which collectively can reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents by up to 80%.
In addition to these approaches, black tea has emerged as a potential ally in the prevention of ischemic disease.
A decade-long study involving over 70,000 participants investigated the impact of black tea consumption on the risk of vascular accidents, revealing a significant 32% reduction in the likelihood of developing this condition. [See study]
Incorporating black tea into one’s routine, alongside the aforementioned strategies, could offer a complementary means of reducing the risk of ischemic disease. Additionally, combining black tea with rooibos infusion may further enhance these properties.
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.
May Improve Heart Health
The benefits observed in stroke prevention can also extend to the overall health of the circulatory system.
This is attributed to the high content of flavonoids and antioxidants in black tea, nearly 200 mg per cup, which play a direct role in heart health.
Regular consumption of these substances supports the cardiovascular system by lowering high blood pressure, reducing triglyceride levels, and aiding in the metabolism of body fat.
A study assessing the properties of black tea through the consumption of three cups daily concluded in an 11% reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. [See study]
May Lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol
Total cholesterol levels can be categorized into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Of concern is LDL, often termed “bad” cholesterol, as this lipoprotein is associated with transporting triglycerides throughout the body’s cells.
Excessive LDL cholesterol can lead to arterial blockages and the formation of waxy deposits in plaques, contributing to cardiovascular diseases or thrombosis.
Scientific studies have linked the properties of black tea to the reduction of LDL cholesterol, resulting in a 36% decrease in triglyceride levels and a better balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol. [See study]
However, findings from other studies present contradictions. For instance, one study concluded that consuming 5 cups of black tea daily (a relatively high amount) only led to an 11% reduction in individuals with a slight increase in LDL cholesterol.
Properties of Black Tea As An Antioxidant
The primary effects of black tea stem from its rich concentration of compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties. This abundance of antioxidants offers myriad health benefits and serves as a preventive measure against numerous diseases, including coronary, respiratory, and vascular ailments.
Among the groups of polyphenols, namely theaflavins, the most pivotal contributors to the antioxidant properties of black tea are catechins, tearubigins,, and sordlavins. These compounds serve as the primary sources of antioxidants in black tea and play a crucial role in promoting overall health. [See study]
Their efficacy has been demonstrated in combating conditions such as diabetes, obesity,, and high cholesterol, particularly those associated with sordlavins.
Furthermore, studies have revealed a reduction in body weight and percentage of body fat among individuals consuming high doses of catechins from both black and green tea over one year.
Contraindications of Black Tea
As with nearly all medicinal plants, there may be contraindications and potential side effects associated with the properties of black tea.
A compatibility study has been conducted for certain conditions, yielding the following conclusions:
Moderate consumption of black tea is likely safe for most adults.
However, the intake of high quantities, such as 5 cups per day, has not been officially diagnosed.
This heightened intake is linked to the effects of excessive caffeine on the body, which can result in symptoms like headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, irritability, tremors, heartburn, or dizziness. These effects are particularly associated with the high caffeine concentration found in black tea.
Anemia: Black tea consumption may exacerbate the effects of anemia in individuals with iron deficiency due to its potential to promote iron expulsion.
Bleeding disorders: The high caffeine concentration can interfere with blood clotting, making it inadvisable for individuals with bleeding problems to consume black tea.
Diarrhea: The caffeine content in black tea can exacerbate the symptoms of diarrhea.
Osteoporosis: Regular consumption of black tea may increase calcium excretion in urine, potentially accelerating bone degradation.
It is recommended not to exceed 300 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to approximately 2 to 3 cups of black tea.
However, in cases of other ailments, increasing calcium intake while consuming black tea may help offset its reduction and allow for the continued benefits of black tea’s other properties.
Do you know more scientifically endorsed properties of black tea? Feel free to share your insights in the comments!
