Liquid Of Life - The Benefits Of Black Tea

What is black tea?

Black tea is made from the plant Camellia Sinensis where green 

tea also originates. Black tea goes through a very different 

fermenting process than green tea called oxidation; the leaves 

are left to breathe in moist oxygen.

The tea is then rolled and heated and dried out and when the 

process is completed it is black in colour. The end result is a potent 

caffeine drink that has all kinds of health benefits and many drink 

it as an alternative medicine. Black tea is becoming more and more 

popular as it has several components that can benefit general 

well-being as well as aid with some common medical complaints. 

Many supermarket brands like Earl Grey or Darjeeling are made from 

black tea and they have a very powerful and pungent taste. Tea 

drinking is an ancient art in some countries and its part and parcel 

of a healthy every day life.

Looking after your teeth

A study carried out by the Tea Trade Health Research Association, 

found that consumption of black tea can help prevent the 

formulation of plaque on the enamel of the teeth. 

Plaque is a leading factor in the development of gum disease, 

a prevalent trouble spot for many.

Gum disease causes teeth to loosen and eventually fall out so 

keeping them in good condition is paramount. Oral hygiene can 

really benefit from doses of black tea because it staves off 

bacteria from getting into the teeth which in turn causes 

cavities. There are Polyphenols in the composition of black 

tea and they actively kill bacteria enzymes which protects 

the enamel from becoming infected and rotting. Considering 

untreated tooth-decay can lead to widespread gum disease 

and the loss of all teeth, partaking of a few cups of black tea 

and sticking to a good oral care regime may help to ward off 

problems later on.

Stress and strain

Herbal teas are renowned for their soothing and calming qualities, 

but not many people know how good black tea can be when 

consumed in moderate quantities. The Chinese call black tea 

Hong Cha, and they've been using it for forever and a day as an 

aid for anxiety and stress.

Black tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is 

renowned for its relaxation properties and it's said to help 

with poor concentration too. Because it has a high concentrate of 

caffeine it helps blood circulation without increasing the heartbeat. 

This has a duel-effect on the body; it releases good energy and 

promotes a sense of harmony and balance. Tannins found in 

black tea are great for the immune system and they promote 

healthy working digestive systems all which restore the body to 

its natural peaceful state.

Reducing risk of major illness

Black tea can be used as a preventative medicine as well as an 

alternative one. The natural phytochemicals can produce strong, 

healthy bone structure and help ease conditions like arthritis and 

rheumatism.

There's also evidence to suggest that people who regularly drink 

black tea have 70% less chance of developing diabetes.Polyphenols 

which are found in black tea are natural antioxidants which 

are capable of ridding the body of toxic chemicals. 

These same antioxidants are said to prevent and reduce some 

types of cancers although research is still in its infant stages. 

There have also been findings that support the theory that black 

tea can reduce the risk of heart diseaseand the possibility of strokes. 

When one takes all these health benefits into account, it's hard to 

understand why so many of us don't drink black tea more regularly.