Black tea health benefits have been overshadowed for awhile now by our growing fascination with the multitude of health benefits provided by green tea. However, don't let the popularity of green tea distract you from the miracle of black tea! There are many reasons why black tea is the most beloved and savored of all teas around the world.
Current research about the health benefits of black tea reveals how good this tea is for us in so many ways - from protection against disease to improved heart health to increased bone strength and much, much more.
Here is what recent studies have found about black tea health benefits.
In a 2009 study, researchers at the Tianjin Key Laboratory in China targeted the effectiveness of black, green, and oolong teas in controlling diabetes, with a specific focus on polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are a form of carbohydrate that can slow blood sugar absorption, which may help diabetics manage the effects of the disease.
In this study, black tea's polysaccharides were found to be very effective in slowing the absorption of glucose - more effective than the polysaccharides found in green and oolong teas.
The study also revealed that the polysaccharides in black tea are very effective in fighting free radicals. (Free radicals not only age us, but they contribute to the development of chronic disease, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well.)
More black tea health benefits... Drinking black tea may protect you from developing diabetes, according to research from Data Mining International in Switzerland. In an analysis of data regarding black tea consumption and disease rates from 50 countries in the 2009 World Health Survey, the research revealed that countries that drank the highest amounts of black tea had the lowest occurrence of type 2 diabetes.
An additional bonus was uncovered, as well - higher black tea consumption was also related to lower levels of obesity.
Black tea, during processing, is oxidized (fermented) more than other types of tea (green, white, oolong, and pu-erh), resulting in very high levels of two types of antioxidants - theaflavins and thearubigins. Black tea's potential ability to prevent diabetes may be due to its unique oxidation process and distinctive antioxidants.
Another study supporting the connection between black tea consumption and a reduced risk of diabetes involved over 1000 older men and women (aged 65 to 100) residing on various Mediterranean islands.
Results from this study (which took place between 2005 and 2007) revealed that regular, long-term consumption of black or green tea can significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels, leading to a lower chance of developing diabetes.
Study participants who had consumed one to two cups of black or green tea each day for 30 years or more had a 70% lower risk of developing diabetes.
In a 2002 Taiwanese study involving over 1000 male and female participants over the age of 30, research results revealed that habitual tea drinkers who drank black, oolong, and/or green tea at least once a week for six or more years had a higher overall bone mineral density (BMD) than those who didn't drink tea on a regular basis. Proportionately higher BMD in the total body, hip, and lumbar regions occurred after ten years' regular tea drinking.
Low BMD is linked to increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
In this study, the duration of tea consumption was found to be more important than the amount of tea consumed each day. If you would like to read more about this study, click here.
You may be a black tea drinker simply because you love the soothing comfort of a mug of hot black tea with milk and sugar. Or, black tea may be a regular in your tea repertoire not only because you love the taste, but because you rely on black tea health benefits for good health and overall wellness, too. Whatever your reasons for loving black tea, this rich, full-flavored tea will satisfy your taste buds and nurture your body and mind, as well.
The news is filled with information about how tea is good for our health and wellness, but, if you are planning to add high amounts of any tea to your daily routine, it's important that you stay up-to-date on any possible risks in drinking tea. Especially if you are pregnant or nursing, are taking any prescription medications, or are currently being treated for cancer, be sure you check with your healthcare provider about safe levels of black tea consumption for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about black tea health benefits, schedule a visit to your healthcare provider - she or he would be happy to help!
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