Although green tea seems to be the king for the wellness sphere, which isn’t without reason, black tea also deserves all the attention it can get.
According to studies, it’s the ideal pick for those looking to boost their gut health. Namely, researchers from the California University concluded that it’s potent enough to better the gut function and restore microbiome balance.
A healthy microbiome means a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria living in our digestive tract. Moreover, they also concluded that it’s beneficial for weight loss, reduced risk of diabetes, and obesity.
Black Tea Explained
Black tea is tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are left to wither after being harvested and then rolled by hand or using a machine, enabling oxidation to happen.
This will form the flavonoids thearubigins and theaflavins which give the tea its unique color and taste and give it its healing properties.
As it’s has quite the bold flavour, black tea is often combined with other ingredients to make flavourful mixtures. One of the most popular blends with black tea is the Earl Grey, a blend of black tea, bergamot, and masala chai.
The Best Health Benefits of Black Tea
- Betters the heart health
According to research, consuming black tea on a regular basis may help reduce the blood pressure and consequently, minimize the chance for heart disease.
- Reduces the risk of cancer
In a study published in the Cancer Research journal, it’s noted that the polyphenol from black tea can help trigger death in cancerous cells without damaging the healthy ones.
- Balances the blood sugar
According to studies, the polysaccharides from black tea may be beneficial for restoring the balance of the blood sugar. This is because it delays the starch and sucrose digestion.
- May help you shed pounds
Black tea is often used for weight loss and a lowered risk of obesity, mostly because of its capacity to support the microbial metabolite formation which has a role in energy metabolism regulation.
- Restores gut microbiome balance
A study which was published in the European Journal of Nutrition discovered that the polyphenols from black tea can better the microflora in the gut. And, it can act as a prebiotic as its molecules which stay in the intestines encourage growth of good gut bacteria.
How to Make a Delicious Cup of Black Tea?
You’ll need:
A tsp of black leaves
A cup of water
Lemon juice
Honey
Prep:
Boil the water and then add a tsp of black tea. Cover the pot and steep for 5 minutes.
Then, strain it into a cup and add lemon juice and honey (optional).
Enjoy!
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