Black tea is rich in antioxidants and may provide health benefits, including improved heart and gut health and a reduced risk for certain conditions.
Black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains antioxidants and compounds that may offer a range of health benefits.
Read on to learn about what the research says about the possible health benefits of black tea. The following potential benefits are in no particular order.
Black tea contains antioxidants. Consuming them can help neutralize free radicals and decrease cell damage in the body, ultimately decreasing the risk of chronic disease.
Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in certain foods and beverages, including black tea.
Groups of polyphenols, including theaflavins and thearubigins, are the
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However, a 2023 study noted that the antioxidant activity of black tea could vary significantly depending on the source.
More research and human-based studies are necessary to better understand the specific health benefits of antioxidants in black tea.
Black tea contains another group of antioxidants called flavonoids.
Consuming flavonoids on a regular basis may help manage or reduce the likelihood of conditions such as:
- cardiovascular disease
- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- elevated triglyceride levels
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
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- a 4% lower risk of death from heart disease
- a 2% lower risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events
- a 4% lower risk of stroke
- a 1.5% lower risk of death from all causes
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While you may need to take other steps to reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems, you may also wish to incorporate black tea into your diet to potentially reduce the likelihood.
Some studies have found that consuming tea may help reduce LDL cholesterol.
The body contains two main lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout the body. One is low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The other is high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL is considered the “bad” lipoprotein because it transports cholesterol to cells throughout the body. HDL transports cholesterol away from your cells and to 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 plaques. This can lead to problems like heart failure or stroke.
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Polyphenols, which are present in black tea,
- inflammatory bowel disease
- type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- obesity
- cancer
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However, further studies are necessary before researchers can make a strong conclusion regarding the role of black tea and immune health.
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The review found that regular tea intake helped lower systolic blood pressure by 4.81 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure by 1.98 mm Hg in people with hypertension.
Further, those who drank tea regularly for longer than 3 months experienced even greater decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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It’s best to contact a doctor for treatment advice if you have concerns about high blood pressure. The doctor can advise on whether they recommend increasing your intake of black tea, as well as recommending any medical treatments for lowering high blood pressure.
Some studies have found that drinking black tea may also help reduce the risk of stroke.
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After following participants for over 11 years, the study found that those who drank at least two cups of tea had a slightly lower risk of ischemic stroke compared with those who did not drink tea.
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The study found that if you’re genetically predisposed to drinking more tea per day, you also have a lower risk of a certain type of stroke.
You should contact your doctor for advice if you have concerns about the risk factors for stroke.
Research suggests that drinking black tea may help lower your blood sugar following a meal or snack, also known as postprandial glucose.
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Twenty-four people, both with and without prediabetes, consumed a high-sugar beverage along with either a low or high dose of black tea or a placebo. Those who drank the low or high dose had significantly lower blood sugar after eating compared with those who drank a placebo.
You can talk with your doctor about more ways to help lower your blood sugar if you have concerns about postprandial glucose levels.
While more research is necessary, the polyphenols in black tea
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The authors state that tea may also be associated with a lower risk of other types of cancers as well, including cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, breasts, ovaries, lungs, and thyroid. However, more well-designed studies are necessary.
More research in humans is also necessary to more clearly determine the link between black tea and cancer cells.
Although black tea should not be an alternative treatment for cancer, you can talk with your doctor if you would like to find out more about steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of cancer.
Black tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which may help improve alertness and focus.
L-theanine increases alpha activity in the brain, resulting in relaxation and better focus.
Studies have found that taking L-theanine as a supplement may help improve sleep quality and mental health.
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However, the study also noted that green tea may be more effective at protecting against cognitive impairment than other types of tea.
Black tea contains plenty of antioxidants, which can provide several health benefits. These may include improved cholesterol, better gut health, and decreased blood pressure.
Other possible benefits of black tea include improving heart health, reducing the risk of stroke, enhancing focus, and protecting against cancer.
Black tea should not replace medical treatments, but you can talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of black tea based on your individual circumstances.
Your doctor can also recommend other steps you can take to manage or protect against any medical conditions.
