Introduction
Ah, the search for a pick-me-up drink is a hard one, especially a drink that could assist you on shopping sprees or hectic office meetings. In the pit of drinks available online, some promise better health and some literally promise wings, but you don’t want that, right? You’re just looking for something that could help you navigate your busy day. Well, look no further than the classic and energising black tea.
Black tea is one of the most popular types of tea worldwide, aside from water, black tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world (and you’re one of those who are not consuming black tea?). Wanna know a funny fact? In the West, when people talk about tea, they’re often referring to black tea, which is in contrast to the East, where tea typically refers to green tea. And what about India? Well, it’s just “Areh chai le aao.”
Now, even though people have been drinking tea for over 5,000 years, researchers are still uncovering the benefits of drinking tea, especially black tea, and the many ways it can enhance your health. Well, don’t worry; building on the information available, this article will teach you more about what black tea is, the health benefits of drinking black tea, as well as the nutrients it provides.
What is black tea?
Wait, wait, before getting into the uniqueness and benefits of black tea, let us first enlighten you on what black tea actually is and how it is made. Actually, black tea, green tea, and some other teas come from the same Camellia sinensis plant; the difference comes from how they’re procured. Like in the case of black tea, once harvested, the tea leaves go through a process of wilting, bruising, rolling, and oxidation.
Oxidization occurs when the leaves are exposed to oxygen-rich air for a long time, which turns the leaves from green to a brownish-black color. That’s where black tea gets its color from! Now, here, the only difference between green tea and black tea comes from the fact that green tea is not oxidized. In the next stages, depending on the product and needs, 2% to 4% caffeine is added to the tea leaves.
How can black tea energize your day?
If we have to talk about how black tea can energize your days, we’ll need to talk about the black tea benefits. Well, the benefits associated with most teas come from polyphenols, which are antioxidants that offer protection from several chronic diseases. But black tea contains one group of polyphenols, called theaflavins, that no other type of tea has. Theaflavins develop during oxidation and account for 3% to 6% of the polyphenols in black tea. Too complicated? Just try to imagine it as a rare Pokemon card that has special abilities.
Now, unlike some other types of tea, black tea has caffeine, nearly half the amount of caffeine present in coffee. But, not only that, it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. This combination is the secret to high alertness and increased focus, which is more energy! Now, while caffeine on its own can induce more jittery energy, the addition of L-theanine in black tea produces a stable and balanced type of energy. This can be supported by a study that investigated the effect of black tea on cognitive performance. Participants consumed either 250 ml of black tea or water, and after that, they were given a variety of tests that involved some executive functions that required sustained attention, memory application, and mathematical calculations. The results stated that those who consumed the black tea performed significantly faster on cognitive tasks, had improved memory, and made fewer errors.
Now, while it is said that more research is necessary, the other advantages of black tea include improved heart health, lowered cancer risk, reduced risk of diabetes, and obviously the burst of energy. There are various studies available online that strengthen the fact that consuming a decent amount of black tea on a daily basis can be beneficial for your health. So, make your decision yourself.
Spotlighting Freshleaf’s black tea
Now that you know enough about black tea, we know you’re eager to get yourself some. But, wait, where will you buy it from? Hmm hmm? Why don’t you try our carefully curated Earl Grey Black Tea? The earl tea is prepared with a blend of natural bergamot flavor that gives the palate a crisp citrus note. Also, bergamot is not just for the taste! It is famous for reducing cholesterol levels, relieving depression, and even easing joint pain.
Now, if you’re looking for something that could accompany your breakfast, English Breakfast Black Tea is the choice for you. Made from hand-chosen tea leaves from Assam and Darjeeling, this tea is sure to bring a majestic vibe to your lazy breakfasts in bed (not only a majestic vibe but also a burst of energy so that those breakfasts in bed don’t stay lazy for long).
Conclusion
The bottom line is that black tea is a great option if you’re looking for a low-calorie, non-sweetened beverage with less caffeine than coffee or energy drinks. It has a strong, unique flavor and contains plenty of antioxidants, which can provide several health benefits. These may include improved cholesterol, better gut health, and decreased blood pressure.
But again, we suggest that you practice caution because, unlike other teas, black tea contains caffeine, which is around 50 to 90 milligrams per cup. Too much caffeine can leave you anxious, restless, and unable to sleep. So, to avoid that, keep your daily caffeine intake under 400 milligrams, but again, don’t think that we’re just counting black tea here. Your total intake needs to include caffeine, which is found in everything else you consume.