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Discover the health secrets of black tea
It’s 7 a.m., the sound of your alarm has given way to the gentle melody of hot water flowing over your tea leaves. You’ve chosen an Earl Grey. Perfect for starting the day serenely with just the little pick-me-up you need. You savour it, perhaps without knowing all the benefits that this famous black tea can bring you. Beyond the gustatory pleasure offered by the woody, vanilla, honeyed or fruity notes of black tea, it also rewards you with sometimes little-known advantages! Brew yourself a good cup of tea, and let’s discover together the many benefits of black tea for our health and our body.
Just like green tea, black tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Its colour comes from the complete oxidation of its leaves. Tea leaves contain a large number of polyphenols, notably catechins, from the flavonoid family. These molecules have a very strong oxidising power that actively fights free radicals, associated with cell ageing. With oxidation, the catechins of black tea are transformed into theaflavins and thearubigins.
Even though green tea contains more antioxidants, black tea has nothing to be ashamed of, and its medical power is recognised. An American study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, was carried out on a panel of nearly 500,000 people.
The results showed that the antioxidants present in black tea could reduce the risk of contracting cardiovascular disease. To go further, drinking 3 cups a day would reduce the chances of having a heart attack by between 9 and 13%, compared with people drinking only one cup or less a day. Polyphenols play a preventive role against many diseases, notably certain cancers.
Did you know that black tea can be beneficial for your oral health? This is what a study led by Dr Christina Wu and the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois (ScienceDaily) tells us. Participants had to rinse their mouths with black tea 5 times, for 30 seconds at 3-minute intervals. The analysis showed that black tea interferes with the bad bacteria responsible for dental plaque. Combined with good oral hygiene, consuming black tea can therefore play a role in cavity prevention.
L-theanine — not to be confused with theine — is an amino acid found in tea.
A scientific study (published in The National Library Of Medicine) notably concluded that L-theanine has a positive impact on our mood, our intellectual reactivity as well as on the reduction of anxiety and stress. It acts directly on the brain, and more precisely on alpha waves, which are observed during a state of relaxation and release.
This magic molecule increases the level of dopamine, the pleasure hormone, which then accentuates the feeling of well-being.
The tea ritual is known to be a unique moment, promoting calm and inner peace. Coffee is often taken on the go, quickly, whereas savouring a tea is done over time, taking one’s time. Before savouring it, breathe in the smell, enjoy its comforting warmth. These studies are only the scientific demonstration of this state of appeasement!
Just like coffee, tea contains caffeine (also called theine). However, the tannins in tea have an action that delays the assimilation of caffeine. Conversely, the caffeine in coffee passes directly into the blood. The action of the tannins then allows a gentler and more gradual release of it. The stimulating effect we seek when we drink our strong coffee will therefore be gentler and longer-lasting throughout your day if you opt for tea!
Theine also helps to boost concentration. It’s the drink to have on your desk during your working days! It’s no coincidence that Buddhist monks have used it for centuries to accompany them during their long hours of meditation.
The aromatic palette of black tea is rich. This allows you to easily discover different flavours and notes throughout the day.
The English Breakfast black tea, a classic in the world of tea, is ideal for the morning.
To improve your digestion after your midday meal, opt for our 91 – Chai du Kerala and its spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom.
Finally, enjoy a tasting of a single-origin tea such as our tea sourced directly in Nepal: the 181 – Sundara Gira, with warm vanilla notes, or our 421 – African Nights if you love smoked tea.
Whether loose or in a muslin, black tea will bring you comfort, warmth, hydration, and, as we have seen, many health benefits!
All you have to do is pour yourself a nice hot cup of your favourite reference and enjoy both the flavours and the benefits of black tea.
Don’t forget to respect the right temperature and steeping time to enjoy a perfect tea.
Discover our selection of black teas without further delay.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/05/010523072047.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31758301/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/