Introduction
Black tea is produced from Camellia sinensis. Tea leaves contain polyphenols namely catechins. Processing of black tea includes the complete oxidation of catechins into oligomeric flavanols includes theaflavin which gives it a brisk taste. The full fermentation of tea leaves along with caffeine gives black tea its characteristic color and aroma. Almost 78% of western countries consumed black tea. The black Tea health benefit is as follows
What is Theaflavin?
During the process of full fermentation, the polyphenols namely catechins get oxidized with the help of biocatalysts. Theaflavin is responsible for the specific taste of black tea.
Common myths of Black tea?
1. Protect DNA damage and suppress cancer by stopping mutagenicity
Experiments showing strong evidence showed that black tea may suppress cancer in animals in laboratory conditions. But still, there is a lack of research related to its effect on humans.
2. Reduce bad cholesterol
The long-term effects of tea consumption on cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis, are not fully understood.
3. Weight Loss
It reduces weight but there is still a lack of evidence on the human model that it alone helps in weight loss.
4. Reduce stress
It contains caffeine that may help in the reduction of stress but caffeine also when taken in excess amount causes anxiety.
5. Lowers blood sugar
Black tea helps in lowering the blood sugar level of the body.
6. Protects osteoporosis
More than 3 cups of black tea should be consumed to make it effective. But high consumption of black tea should be avoided as it might cause certain hindrances in the normal activity of the body.
What are the potential side effects of Black tea?
- Caffeine content: One cup of tea contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system. Excess caffeine causes sleeplessness. Excess intake of black tea may cause kidney diuretic. This results in frequent urination leading to a decrease in blood sodium and potassium. Although caffeine content in black tea is lesser than that of coffee but on an average maximum of 2 to 3 cups will be taken.
- Caffeine may cause an adverse effect on diabetic patients
Pregnant women should avoid caffeine as it crosses the placenta and caused abortion. - Caffeine also interferes with breast milk leads to sleep disorders in babies.
- The normal mean caffeine content of black tea is 21-33 mg/cup after 1 minute of steeping, 35-46 mg/cup after 3 minutes of steeping, and 39-50 mg/cup after 5 minutes of steeping.
Black Tea health benefit
Following are some of the black Tea health benefit:
· Anticancer
· Prevents heart disease
· Weight loss
· Lowers blood sugar
· Protects osteoporosis
· Reduce stress
· Reduce Cholesterol
Side Effects of the Black Tea
· Arrhythmia – irregular heartbeat.
· Hypertension
· Tachycardia – rapid heart rate.
· Insomnia
· Tremor
· Iron deficiency
· Diuresis – excessive urination.
· Constipation
· Anaemia
· Abortion
Thank you very much for sharing the benefits and side effects of black tea. I used green tea and just read above some folks saying it takes longer than black teas and others saying it takes less time.