A soothing drink, black tea is a known remedy for a variety of conditions. With a plethora of beneficial nutrients and components, the tea is effective for supporting overall health and preventing disease. Black tea is quite versatile and can be drunk hot or cold with the same healthful benefits.
What Is Black Tea?
Derived from the Camellia sinesis bush, black tea comes from the leaves of the plant. Black tea gets its characteristic name and color from a process called oxidation. During this process, the tea leaves are exposed to moist, oxygen-rich air, which allows the leaves to oxidize and turn from green to a dark brownish-black color.
A tea often selected for its health benefits, black tea offers an assortment of nutrients. Full of health components known as polyphenols, the tea is an effective antioxidant that protects the cells from damage. The tea also possesses a number of vitamins and minerals including riboflavin, folate, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese.
Health Benefits of Black Tea
With its array of nutrients and antioxidants, black tea is effective for treating a variety of conditions and promoting health. Most beneficial when sipped without milk or sugar, black tea is highly concentrated and delivers a powerful punch of health benefits.
As the tea contains a respectable amount of caffeine and the stimulating substance theophylline, black tea is often used as an energy-booster and fatigue reducer. It also helps prevent several types of cancer and may reduce the risk of heart attack. Black tea can also be used to regulate diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney stones, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis and lung cancer. The active compounds in the tea also help treat sore eyes, stomach ache, menstrual cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.
With its wide range of health benefits, black tea is more than just a regular refreshment. It is a beneficial health aid and supplement.
