It is no secret that one of the most popular drinks in the world is tea. Tea is made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis. Depending on the type and preparation process, there are different teas, including green, black, white, oolong, and puerh tea. Drinking as a natural substance can be very beneficial for health. For centuries it has been the drink of choice for queens and royalty in England, emperors and warriors in China, and workers in India. Tea has been an integral part of traditional medicine and is recognized as a treatment method in many Asian countries.
The Chinese and Japanese have been consuming tea for centuries to improve health. Tea, which has been considered the key to health, happiness and wisdom for thousands of years in the East, has also attracted the attention of researchers in the West to the extent that they are discovering the benefits of different types of tea. Drinking tea can help protect brain health, improve heart health, and even prevent certain types of cancer. Next, we will tell you all the health benefits of drinking tea.
Being an antioxidant property
Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in some foods and beverages, including black tea. Taking antioxidants can help eliminate free radicals and reduce cell damage in the body.
Groups of polyphenols, including catechins, taflavins, and taurobigins, are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea and can promote overall health.
- Taflavins and tyarobigins: In fact, one study in mice investigated the role of taflavins and tyarobigins in black type and the risk of diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. The results showed that tiaflavin and tiarubigin reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Catechins: An older study looked at the role of tea catechins on body weight. The results showed that people who consumed 690 mg of catechin daily for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in fat.
While many supplements contain antioxidants, the best way to consume them is through food and drink. In fact, some research has shown that taking antioxidants in supplement form may harm your health.
Protect heart health
The black type contains another group of antioxidants called flavonoids, which are very beneficial for heart health. In addition to tea, flavonoids can be found in vegetables, fruits, red wine, and dark chocolate. Regular consumption may help reduce many risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and obesity.
Studies have shown that for every cup of tea consumed daily, the risk of death from heart disease decreases by 4%, the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events by 2%, and the risk of stroke by 4%.
Another study found that people who drank tea daily had an 8 percent lower risk of heart disease and a 10 percent lower risk of major heart events, such as heart attack, compared to people who had not drank tea in the previous 12 months.
Adding black tea to your daily routine is an easy way to include antioxidants in your diet and potentially reduce your risk of future health complications.
It lowers LDL cholesterol
The body contains two lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout the body:
- low density lipoprotein (LDL)
- high density lipoprotein (HDL)
LDL is considered a “bad” lipoprotein because it transports cholesterol to the body’s cells. Conversely, HDL is considered a “good” lipoprotein because it carries cholesterol away from your cells and into the liver to be removed from the bloodstream.
When there is too much LDL in the body, it can build up in the arteries and cause waxy deposits called plaque. This can lead to problems such as heart failure or stroke. Fortunately, some studies have shown that tea consumption significantly lowers LDL cholesterol by as much as 4.64 mg/dL.
Improve gut health
Studies have shown that the type of bacteria in your gut plays an important role in your health. While some of the bacteria in your gut are good for your health, others are not.
In fact, some studies have shown that the type of bacteria in your gut may play an important role in reducing the risk of certain health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and even cancer. The polyphenols in black tea may help maintain a healthy gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria.
In addition, black tea may contain antimicrobial properties that remove harmful substances and improve gut bacteria and immunity by helping to repair the lining of the digestive tract. However, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be drawn about the role of black tea and immune function.
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart and kidney failure, stroke, vision loss, and heart attacks. Fortunately, changes in your diet and lifestyle can lower your blood pressure.
According to recent studies, regular tea consumption helps reduce systolic blood pressure by 4.81 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.98 mm Hg in people with high blood pressure. In addition, people who drank tea regularly for more than three months had a greater reduction
They had systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These effects were more pronounced for men and those who drank black tea for more than seven days. Drinking black tea daily, as well as incorporating other lifestyle modifications such as stress management strategies, may benefit people with high blood pressure.
Reduce the risk of stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Fortunately, 80% of strokes can be prevented. For example, managing diet, physical activity, blood pressure and not smoking can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Studies have shown that drinking black tea may also help reduce the risk of stroke.
One trial of 365,682 people looked at the association between drinking tea or coffee and risk of stroke, and dementia after stroke. After following the participants for more than 11 years, the study found that those who drank at least two cups of tea had a 16 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those who did not drink tea.
Another study used genetic predictors associated with tea consumption to determine the association between tea drinking and stroke risk. The study found that if you are genetically predisposed to drink more tea per day, your risk of stroke also decreases.
Lower blood sugar levels
Elevated blood sugar levels may increase the risk of developing health complications such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and depression. Consuming large amounts of sugar, especially from sweet drinks, increases blood sugar and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
When you consume sugar, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin allows sugar to enter cells, including muscle and liver cells, to be stored as energy or glycogen. When the body needs to use energy, another hormone called glucagon is released to help the body break down glycogen to release energy. If you consume more sugar than your body has room for glycogen storage, the excess sugar will be stored as fat.
Research shows that drinking black tea may help lower blood sugar after a meal or snack, also known as postprandial glucose.
Improve concentration
Black tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which can improve alertness and concentration.
L-theanine increases alpha activity in the brain, resulting in relaxation and better concentration. Studies have shown that drinks containing L-theanine and caffeine have the greatest effect on concentration due to the effects of L-theanine on the brain. Perhaps this is why many people report more sustained energy after drinking tea than other caffeinated beverages such as coffee.
In another study examining the effect of black tea on cognitive performance, participants consumed 250 ml of black tea or water. They were then given tests of executive function, sustained attention, memory and math calculations. Those who drank black tea performed significantly faster on cognitive tasks, their memory improved, and they made fewer errors.
Researchers conclude that even small amounts of black tea can improve cognitive processing. If you are looking to increase energy and focus without too much caffeine, black tea is the best option.