Black tea leaves are initially green tea leaves when they are harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is indigenous to Asia. They are processed until they transform to a very dark color and distinguished flavor known as black tea. There are many different types of black tea, including Darjeeling, which is native to India and is slightly spicy, and the smoke-dried varieties Lapsang and Souchong, which are native to China and have an earthier flavor. Black tea leaves contain medicinal compounds called flavonoids, or antioxidants, which fight disease formation. Tea's well-publicized health benefits in recent years have likely led to its increased popularity among consumers, according to "Vegetarian Times" magazine.
Reduces Stress
Daily consumption of black tea can help you recuperate more quickly from the effects of stress, according to a study by University College London researchers. The study, led by Andrew Steptoe and published in the journal "Psychopharmacology" in 2006, found that people who drank black tea were able to relax more quickly after experiencing a stressful situation compared with those who drank a placebo. The tea drinkers were found to have blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol that were 47 percent lower than the placebo group, according to the Medical News Today website.
Lowers Heart Disease Risk
Black tea consumption lowers heart disease risk, according to a study published in the journal "Preventive Medicine" led by Iman A. Hakim, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The researchers examined data relating to the tea consumption of 3,430 Saudi men and women between the ages of 30 and 70, and those who regularly drank black tea showed significantly lower levels of heart disease and hypertension. Scientists concluded that either the high amount of antioxidants in black tea are responsible for its health effects, or other substances reduce the clotting of platelets that causes the hardening of arteries, according to "Acupuncture Today" magazine.
Dosage and Preparation Recommendations
Black tea is heartier than the lighter tea varieties and should steep for a longer period of time in higher-temperature water. Specifically, black tea should steep in boiled water for approximately three to five minutes, and 1 tsp. of tea should be used per cup. Loose tea makes a more healthy and flavorful cup of tea compared with bagged tea; the leaves need space to unfurl in order to release the medicinal and fragrant compounds. A cup of black tea can contain anywhere from 25mg to 110mg of caffeine, which is less caffeine than a cup of coffee contains, according to "Vegetarian Times."
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