Black tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same one used to produce green tea and white tea. Black tea contains the highest amount of caffeine, and thus helps with weight loss and thermogenic action through fat burning. Black tea is the best-selling tea in the West, accounting for over 90% of tea consumption. It is made from the mature leaves of the plant and therefore has a stronger flavor and more caffeine than the other two. It preserves its flavor for years and was even used as currency in nineteenth-century Asia. The largest producers of black tea are China, India, and Sri Lanka. Its production process consists of removing a third of the moisture from the leaves to make them flexible. Then they are rolled and fermented, becoming dark, strongly flavored leaves. Only after that is the moisture removed again to sell worldwide.
Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea contains high amounts of flavonoid antioxidants, which prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL) and, as a result, heart problems and issues in the bloodstream. Black tea is high in manganese, which is also good for heart health. Flavonoids also improve coronary vasodilation and are anticoagulant. The high concentration of caffeine in tea inhibits fatigue and stimulates the central nervous system. For this reason, it is best to drink black tea at breakfast and avoid it after 6 pm, unless you want to stay awake later. Other benefits of black tea include:
Other Benefits
- Protection of cells against free radicals;
- Promotes gastrointestinal motility;
- Hydration of the body;
- Prevents premature aging through its antioxidants;
- Feeling of satiety that decreases appetite;
- Boosts metabolism.
With the last two items, we can say that black tea aids in weight loss. However, for satisfactory results, it is important to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Skin and hair also benefit from the antioxidants in black tea, preventing acne, for example. Black tea contains higher amounts of tannins than white tea, and they play a role in intestinal activity, potentially having an antidiarrheal effect. Additionally, the polyphenols in tea are anti-inflammatory. The caffeine in black tea is present in smaller amounts than in coffee, which increases blood flow to the brain without overly stimulating the heart. In addition, L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, helps you relax and increases concentration. Therefore, black tea does not cause stress due to caffeine; on the contrary, it can decrease cortisol levels after prolonged consumption. Black tea also boosts immunity because of the tannins, being helpful in fighting off viruses like the flu and infections such as hepatitis and diarrhea. One of the most well-known tannins is catechin, which has been proven helpful in preventing cancer tumors.
How to Prepare Black Tea
To prepare black tea, use 2 tablespoons of the tea leaves per liter of water. The water should be heated to boiling or almost boiling, then the heat turned off and the leaves added. Let it steep covered, strain, and drink. The properties of black tea may be better extracted if the leaves remain in hot water for about 30 minutes. Its antioxidants only begin to be released after the first 5 minutes.
Ways to Consume
Black tea can be drunk hot or cold. It’s best to consume it between meals and not during, because the tannins interfere by reducing the absorption of some substances and amino acids, especially iron. The recommended daily intake is up to 3 cups of black tea—each cup corresponds to about 300 ml.
Contraindications of Black Tea
Black tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to caffeine, which can reach the baby. In addition, patients with hypertension, gastric ulcers, insomnia, and heart arrhythmias should be cautious about excessive black tea, and in these cases, not drink the tea before consulting a doctor. See Also: Tea to Help Conceive Photo: freephotocc
