Health Benefits of Black Tea

The health benefits of black tea vs. green tea.

For those of us who love a traditional cup of good old fashion black tea, we sometimes wonder if there are any black tea health benefits. With the attention green tea is garnering in the tea world, who can blame us for doubting our trusted brew. Well, green tea is more widely studied and there is a lot of data out there supporting the benefits of green tea.

But do not despair black tea lovers. Studies have shown that the black brew is also steeped in health benefits and has its own standing in well being and health.


A quick summary of Tea101

What distinguishes the different teas?

Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinesis plant. The teas are categorized according to their oxidation levels (also known as fermentation).

Green Tea is steamed, baked or pan fried to prevent oxidation and therefore the leaves remain green. Green Tea contains the powerful antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Black Tea is fully oxidized and the oxidation process changes the colour of the leaves from green to brown. The fermentation process used to make black tea converts EGCG into theaflavins and thearubigens. These compounds contribute not only to the dark colour and distinct rich and robust flavours associated with black tea but they also play a part in the health benefits of tea.

So, we all consume tea in a variety of ways. I like my black tea with milk and sugar. And then there is green tea, white tea and oolong tea which I usually take without any additives. How I consume my tea usually depends on the type of tea.

The chemical make-up of tea varies as well. However, despite these variations, one study has shown that steeping green or black tea for about five minutes releases over 80% of its catechins.

Studies have also shown that milk does neutralize some of the benefits, so keep that in mind.


Health Benefits of Black Tea




Antioxidants: Tea is packed with antioxidants which prevents free radical damage that leads to numerous diseases. The antioxidant potential in tea has been found to be significantly higher than that of grape juice and red wine which would explain the studies around the health benefits of drinking tea.


Heart and Stroke: A study done at the American Heart Association in New Orleans found that tea drinkers have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Black Tea relaxes and expands arteries which results in increased blood flow to the heart.

Tea contains high amounts of flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. These antioxidants are good for the heart. They lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).


Teeth: Tea leaves contain fluoride. Studies have shown that people who drink tea may have fewer cavities. Fluoride also strengthens tooth enamel, thereby helping to prevent tooth decay.


Diabetes: A study on rats found that tea decreased glucose levels, which in turn affects other ensuing diabetic complications like cataracts. The study showed that five cups of tea per day for a human significantly inhibited cataract formation compared to a control group which did not get tea.


Verdict on the Green Tea vs Black Tea Debate





The debate will continue and everyone will have an opinion as more studies and data is collected. My standing on this is if you enjoy the black brew, drink it, bask in it and know that there are many health benefits of black tea.


To look at the Health Benefits of Green Tea, here is some information.
Green Tea Health Benefits



The Tea Council of UK is a great resource.


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