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Black tea is made from the plant species Camellia sinesis , the same used to originate green tea and white tea. Black tea is the one that contains the highest amount of caffeine, and thus helps with weight loss and thermogenic action through the burning of fats.
Black tea is the best-selling tea in the West, accounting for more than 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 has preserved flavor for years, and has even served as a currency in the 19th century in Asia.
The largest producers of black tea are China, India and Sri Lanka . Its production process consists of removing one third of the moisture from its leaves, making them flexible. Then they are rolled and fermented, turning into dark leaves with a strong flavor. Only then is moisture removed again to market to the whole world.
Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea has high amounts of flavonoid antioxidants, which prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL) and, consequently, heart and bloodstream problems. Black tea has a concentration of manganese, which is also useful for heart health. Flavonoids also improve coronary vasodilation and are anticoagulants.
The high concentration of caffeine in tea inhibits fatigue and stimulates the central nervous system. So it is best to have black tea for breakfast and avoid it after 6 pm , unless you want to stay up late. Other benefits of black tea include:
Other Benefits
- Protection of cells against free radicals ;
- Facilitates gastrointestinal motility;
- Hydration of the body;
- Prevents premature aging with antioxidants ;
- Feeling of satiety that decreases appetite;
- Acceleration of metabolism.
With the last two items, we can say that black tea gets thinner. However, for satisfactory results it is important to eat a balanced diet and practice physical activity. The skin and hair also benefit from black tea with its antioxidants, preventing acne, for example.
Black tea contains more amounts of tannins than white tea, and they play a role in intestinal activity and may have an anti-diarrheal effect . In addition, the polyphenols present in tea are anti-inflammatory.
Caffeine from black tea is present in less quantity than in coffee, which increases the blood flow in the brain without harming the heart with too much stimulation. In addition, L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, helps to relax and increases concentration . Black tea therefore does not cause caffeine stress, on the contrary, it can decrease cortisol levels after prolonged consumption.
Black tea also improves immunity due to tannins, being an aid in fighting viruses such as the flu, and infections such as hepatitis and diarrhea. One of these tannins, the most famous, is catechin, which has been proven to be useful in preventing cancer tumors.
How to Prepare Black Tea
To prepare black tea, 2 tablespoons of the herb leaves are used for each liter of water. The water must be heated until it boils or almost, and then turned off the fire and the leaves added. Let it rest, drowning, straining and drinking.
It is possible that the properties of black tea will be better utilized if the leaves remain in infusion in hot water for about 30 minutes. Its antioxidants only begin to be released after the first 5 minutes.
Ways to ingest
Black tea can be taken either hot or cold. Prevention should be given to consumption between meals and not during, because tannins interfere by reducing the absorption of some substances and amino acids, and especially iron. The recommended daily intake is up to 3 cups of black tea – each cup corresponds to approximately 300 ml.
Contraindications for Black Tea
Black tea is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women because of the caffeine that can reach the baby. In addition, patients with hypertension, gastric ulcers, insomnia and cardiac arrhythmias should be cautious about excess black tea and, in such cases, do not drink before consulting a doctor.
See also: Tea to get pregnant
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
