What Is Black Tea Good For? 8 Health Benefits, Side Effects

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8 health benefits of black tea

Black tea contains plenty of antioxidants that offer health benefits such as improved heart health and decreased blood pressure.

The health benefits of drinking black tea every day includes the following:

1. Antioxidant effects: Black tea contains polyphenols such as theaflavins, catechins, and thearubigins (antioxidants) that reduce cellular damage from free radicals. 
   • Theaflavins reduce blood sugar levels, bad cholesterol, and the risk of diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis.
   • Polyphenols in black tea may reduce the risk of cancer, such as prostate, skin, breast, and lung cancer.
   • A study conducted in a lab reported that black tea plays a vital role in regulating cancer cell growth and initiates new cell growth.
2. Decreases blood pressure: Studies were conducted to determine the effects of black tea on blood pressure.
   • Although black tea reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, research was mixed.
   • Black tea does reduce the stress that helps lower blood pressure, which the decreasing of blood pressure lessens your risk of strokes and heart events.
3. Improves heart health: Black tea contains flavonoids, another group of antioxidants, that are beneficial to the heart.
   • Flavonoids reduce the risk of heart disease because they lower
     • high blood pressure,
     • high cholesterol,
     • elevated triglycerides,
     • and obesity risks.
   • Studies report that drinking three cups of black tea reduces the risk of heart disease by almost 11 percent.
   • Black tea is the easiest way to obtain antioxidants that potentially reduce the risk of health complications that may arise in the future.
4. Reduces blood sugar levels: Since black tea doesn’t contain any sugars, it may improve the use of insulin in the body and reduce blood sugar levels.
   • Studies have concluded that compounds such as catechin in black tea may improve insulin levels in the body.
5. Boosts immunity: Black tea contains flavonoids and polyphenols that are antioxidants that help reduce cellular damage from free radicals and improve the health of cells in the immune system.
   • They have antibacterial properties that kill bacteria and strengthen the immune system.
6. Enhances gut health: Consumption of black tea may stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut while killing bad bacteria.
   • This repairs and improves the conditions of the digestive tract walls.
   • Studies suggest that these bacteria may reduce the risk of
     • inflammatory bowel disease,
     • cardiovascular disease,
     • diabetes,
     • obesity, and
     • cancer.
7. Improves concentration: Black tea contains caffeine and amino acid L-theanine that may improve focus and alertness.
   • Antioxidants in black tea may fight stress and improve overall mood.
   • Studies suggest that black tea may reduce stress hormones in the body and relax the nerves.
8. Slows down aging: Black tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that may prevent skin from premature aging and reduce wrinkles.
   • Studies suggest that black tea decreased the expression of the gene that produces a collagen-degrading enzyme.
   • Black tea may improve the health of skin and hair.

How is black tea made and how does it taste?

Black tea, one of the most popular worldwide drinks, is made from leaves of a shrub called Camellia sinensis.

Tea leaves undergo different processing methods that produce various types of tea. After harvesting, the leaves are withered, rolled, heated, and fermented. Some leaves are left in the air to oxidize. The color and flavor of leaves depend mostly on oxidation and the fermentation processes.

Tea leaves are brewed in hot water or boiled for a few minutes until the water turns dark brown, indicating that the flavor of the leaves is well incorporated in the water.

Black tea might taste bitter initially and is usually drunk with or without adding other ingredients, such as sugar, milk, or lemon for additional flavor and taste. It is recommended to avoid such additives to get all of the black tea benefits.

What are the side effects of black tea?

Drinking black tea in moderation is usually safe. However, there is no particular standard dose on how much tea should be consumed. It solely depends on the person and how their body reacts to it.

Herbal tea (such as black tea, white tea, and green tea) contains caffeine, and drinking a large quantity can cause side effects related to caffeine overdose, which include:

• Increased breathing
• Increased urine frequency
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Headache
• Changes in heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Anemia (low red blood cells)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Tremors
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Gastritis

Black tea and its supplements may interact with other medications and supplements that you regularly take. Some medications might cause caffeine to linger in your system for a longer period than usual. Consult your doctor to see whether any medications you are taking may have this effect.

Caffeine, which is included in black tea and green tea, may potentially interfere with some blood tests. Inform your doctor about any supplements you are taking, including natural supplements, and those purchased without a prescription. Additionally, inform your doctor if you consume a lot of these beverages.