Black tea has a mild character and a mellow flavor. Unlike regular green tea, which contains polyphenols and tannins that can easily irritate the stomach, black tea is not only gentle on the stomach but also beneficial for it. It is also a great health product for preventing many common diseases and is especially suitable for drinking in cold winter weather.
Recent research has proven that drinking black tea regularly can effectively prevent and treat the following diseases:
Reduces the incidence of stroke and heart disease
Research indicates that black tea is rich in flavonoid compounds and potassium. The former has strong antioxidant effects, while potassium is beneficial for the heart and can prevent stroke and heart disease. Dutch scientists observed the effect of black tea in preventing stroke, using 552 men aged 50-69 as subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group drank an average of less than 2.5 cups of black tea per day, while the other group drank 5 cups per day. The results showed that the more flavonoids consumed from black tea (the more black tea consumed), the lower the risk of stroke. People who drank 5 cups of black tea a day had a 69% lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not drink black tea.
Lowers harmful cholesterol
Scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found in a 6-week study that people who drank 5 cups of black tea daily had varying reductions (7% to 11%) in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in their bodies compared to those who drank colored beverages that resembled tea. LDL is known as "bad cholesterol" and increases the risk of heart disease. Since the participants' diets were controlled beforehand, experts believe that drinking black tea played a role in lowering cholesterol. Another U.S. study also showed that people who drank one cup of black tea a day had a more than 40% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who did not drink tea.
Prevents osteoporosis
In addition to various water-soluble vitamins, black tea is also rich in the trace element potassium, with 70% of it dissolving into the tea water after brewing. Research shows that potassium not only enhances blood circulation in the heart but also prevents or reduces the loss of calcium in the body. Additionally, manganese in black tea is also one of the essential elements for bone structure. Therefore, drinking black tea regularly is beneficial for bone formation and preventing calcium loss, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
Effective in preventing and treating the flu
Japanese scientists discovered that a substance in black tea can effectively kill the flu virus. Gargling with black tea or drinking it directly can prevent the flu. Researchers used a black tea solution four times weaker than usual and immersed it in a virus-infected area for just a few seconds, and found that the virus in that area lost its infectivity. Relevant experts believe that gargling with black tea or drinking more of it can effectively kill viruses and prevent the flu from harming the body.
Beneficial for the stomach and prevents ulcers
After fermentation, the polyphenols in black tea undergo an enzymatic oxidation reaction under the action of oxidase, reducing their content. This not only decreases the stimulation to the stomach but also allows the oxidized products of these polyphenols to promote human digestion. Drinking black tea not only does not harm the stomach but can also nourish it. If you often drink black tea with sugar or milk, it can also reduce inflammation, protect the gastric mucosa, and has a certain effect in preventing and treating ulcers. Note: It is advisable to use 3-5 grams of black tea each time, and it must be consumed hot to have a beneficial effect on the stomach. Black tea is best brewed and consumed immediately; if the tea water is left for too long, its nutritional value and taste will diminish.
Lowers the incidence of skin cancer
Australian scientists believe that drinking tea can effectively reduce people's chances of developing skin cancer. Researchers conducted experiments in the lab using white rats and proved that when exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays, the proportion of rats that had cancer or skin damage after drinking black tea was 54% lower than that of rats that only drank water. They also found that the incidence of skin cancer in rats drinking black tea was much lower than in those drinking green tea. This was the first time it was confirmed that black tea has a stronger anti-cancer effect than green tea in preventing skin cancer.