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Health benefits of Black Tea

What is black tea?

Black tea, like green tea, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference is in the variety of the plant and in how the leaves are processed when harvesting. Black tea contains a multitude of antioxidants and stimulants such as caffeine, which together with amino acids such as L-Theanine, provide sustained energy.

Benefits and properties of Black Tea

There are multiple benefits of having a black tea a day. Its high content of polyphenols such as catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins contributes to an improvement in health (1).

Black tea can contribute, combined with exercise and a balanced diet, to weight loss (2), to better cardiovascular health (3), reduce the level of blood pressure (4), lower blood sugar level (5), (6) and improve the intestinal flora (7).

Contraindications of Black Tea

Drinking black tea in moderation does not have any health risks. However, drinking large amounts of black tea can lead to health problems or side effects, mainly related to caffeine.
Some of the side effects of black tea can be anxiety or difficulty falling asleep, headache, or increased heart rate.

How to prepare Black Tea?

Preparing a black tea is simple and fast. It can be taken hot or cold and mixed with water, milk or a vegetable drink such as oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk.

Heat 60 ml of water to 80 ºC and pour between 0.5 g and 1 g of powdered black tea. Mix with an electric or bamboo whisk until dissolved and foamy. Add 190 ml of water, milk or your favorite vegetable drink and… ready to drink!

Does Black Tea Have Caffeine?

Yes, black tea contains approximately 20 mg of caffeine per 100 grams. Black tea, like green tea, contains an amino acid called L-Theanine that slows down the passage of caffeine into the blood, gradually providing energy, generating a calm-alert state.

Types of Black Tea

There are many varieties of black tea, mainly depending on its origin.

Some of the best varieties of black tea

– Assam Black Tea: Comes from India and is known for a strong malt flavor and bright burgundy color.
– Ceylan black tea: It is a variety that comes from Sri Lanka, it has a citrus flavor with an aromatic touch and a reddish color.
– Darjeeling Black Tea: Comes from India, has been widely recognized in the UK for many years. It has an astringent taste and a subtle color with a floral aroma.
– Keemun black tea: Keemun, synonymous with black tea, is the best known black tea in China, where it comes from. It has a sweet taste and a reddish-brown color.

Difference green tea and black tea

The main difference between black tea and green tea is that black tea is oxidized and green tea is not. To obtain black tea, the leaves are first rolled up and then exposed to air to promote the oxidation process, until reaching 100%.
In contrast, when green tea leaves are processed during harvesting, an attempt is made to avoid oxidation by giving a quick steam bath as soon as possible. Less oxidation means that green tea will have a lighter color and a fresher, more plant-based flavor.