According to Amanda Holtzer, a registered dietitian at Culina Health, black tea is a healthy beverage option that is sugar-free, calorie-free and full of beneficial antioxidants. Aside from water, black tea is the most consumed beverage in the world.
Robin Foroutan, an integrative dietitian, recommends black tea as an alternative to sugary beverages like soda or fruit juices. However, she noted that you should first confirm that you're not sensitive to caffeine or that the tea doesn't cause any adverse reactions before drinking it frequently. Foroutan also advised that it's best to drink black tea plain and avoid adding too much sugar to reap its health benefits.
Experts warn against drinking black tea if you have anemia because the beverage can decrease iron absorption. (Related: Study: Drinking black tea helps increase longevity.)
Black tea is a soothing drink and it's also affordable. Read on to learn more about the benefits of consuming black tea.
It can boost your heart health
According to a recent study, consuming at least two or more cups of black tea per day can lower the risk of early death from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke.
Drinking black tea can also help improve the health and function of the endothelium layer of the blood vessels. This is important because this helps support proper blood flow throughout your body and encourages healthy blood pressure.
Research suggests that people who drink tea regularly have a lower risk for strokes and atherosclerosis. Experts think this is due to flavonoids, the antioxidants found in black tea.
Flavonoids can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
It has anti-cancerous properties
Research indicates regularly drinking tea can lower your risk of premature death from cancer.
Additionally, tea has many anti-cancerous properties and can protect DNA from oxidative damage which can reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Polyphenols in black tea may help slow the development of certain types of cancer and promote cancer cell death, say researchers.
One review of studies about the effects of tea on cancer risk showed that consuming tea is linked to a lower risk of oral cancer.
It can help reduce LDL cholesterol
According to data, the regular consumption of black tea can help reduce LDL cholesterol or "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
Other research suggests that while it doesn’t always have an impact on total or HDL cholesterol, it can significantly lower concentrations of LDL.
It can improve your blood pressure
A recent scientific review found that drinking black tea regularly can improve blood pressure.
Results from the study revealed that consuming black tea can improve the risks associated with those who suffer from high blood pressure like heart attacks, heart and kidney failure, stroke and vision loss.
It can help balance your blood sugar
If you drink black tea plain, it's a great sugar-free drink that can help you stay hydrated.
Black tea also offers anti-inflammatory benefits that have a positive impact on your blood sugar. It’s a great option if you are trying to stabilize your blood sugar or have prediabetes or diabetes.
It can help boost your gut health
Antioxidants in black tea can positively influence gut microbes. Polyphenols can also promote the growth of food bacteria in the gut, which can help boost your gut health.
It helps reduce inflammation
Black tea has antioxidants called polyphenols that can help reduce inflammation. In turn, this lowers your risk of developing chronic disease.
Polyphenols help protect your body against oxidative stress, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases, inflammation, heart disease and even cancer.
It can protect against UV damage
According to Foroutan, "compelling research" suggests that drinking tea may help prevent UV damage from sun exposure.
However, experts still recommend that you use sunscreen when heading outdoors for better protection against UV damage.
It can help you maintain a healthy weight
While there isn't a single food or beverage that can magically help you lose weight, following a balanced diet and drinking black tea may help.
According to a scientific review, the regular consumption of black tea can help suppress digestion and absorption of fats and complex sugars. This means the beverage can potentially support healthy body weight, minus the gut discomfort.
It can help you focus
Brewed tea contains about a third to half of the caffeine of one cup of coffee. Since black tea also contains caffeine, it can help improve your focus and boost your energy levels.
If you need an energy boost, but hate the jitters caused by coffee, try drinking black tea instead.
According to Foroutan, since tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, a compound that helps your body make more calming neurotransmitters, black tea can give you a more balanced boost unlike when you drink coffee.
Go to FoodIsMedicine.com to learn more about superfoods with amazing health benefits.
Watch the video below to know more about the health benefits of black tea.
This video is from the Natural Cures channel on Brighteon.com.
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