In the East it is known as Red Tea, based on the reddish color of the tea liquor. In the West we call it Black Tea, because the leaves are so dark in color due to the level of oxidation. Tea is important and beneficial to people worldwide for many reasons, and Black Tea specifically has some incredible healing powers!
The major health benefits of black tea include its nutritional value, anti-cancer benefits, digestive benefits, beneficial effects on skin and hair health, and much more. Like other types of tea, black tea contains: • Caffeine • Amino Acids • Carbohydrates • Proteins • Potassium • Major AND trace minerals • Manganese • Polyphenols • Low Sodium • Low Calories Black tea also contains: Catechins (the powerful antioxidants in tea that fight cancer-causing cells and help prevent heart disease) Tannins (the naturally occurring chemical compounds that give black tea and red wine their astringency), Guanine (a natural stimulant) Xanthine (another natural stimulant, similar to caffeine). The many antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols in black tea are associated with a number of health benefits which include but are not limited to aiding in disease prevention and distributing powerful antioxidants throughout the body like Thearubigin and Theaflavin. Your average cup of black tea contains around 200 milligrams of Flavonoids. Many doctors now a days are recommending an average of 600 milligrams of Flavonoids a day for a wide range of health benefits. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: By preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and preventing damage in both the bloodstream and at artery walls, the vast array of antioxidants found in Black Tea have demonstrated to lower the risk of heart disease. These flavonoids can also both improve coronary vasodilation and reduce clots, and its manganese may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by helping cardiac muscle function. CANCER PREVENTION: Polyphenols found in tea also help prevent the formation of potential carcinogens in the body. This is particularly true with certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and bladder cancer.
Black tea contains a compound called TF-2. This chemical causes apoptosis ("programmed death") of cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells. This helps to stop cancer growth before it even becomes noticeable, and may help in cases where cancer has already been diagnosed. Additionally, black tea also prevents cancer by inhibiting the formation and growth of malignant tumors.
Studies have also show that black tea may help prevent stomach cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer and oral cancers specially for those who consume tobacco products. ( https://link.springer.com/article/10.1631%2Fjzus.B1500001 )
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
With its high Tannin content and by boosting the immune response, alkylamine antigens helps the body to fight viruses such as influenza, dysentery, hepatitis and many more.
ORAL HEALTH:
Black tea’s high number of polyphenols and tannins kill and prevent the bacteria that cause tooth decay, and to drastically reduce the oral bacteria that cause bad breath which has also been known to reduce oral cancers.
DIGESTIVE BENEFITS:
Black Tea is known to have more Tannins than any other tea tasting high offer amazing digestive benefits. They soothe gastric and intestinal illnesses, generally aid in digestion and decrease intestinal activity (making them useful for those with diarrhea).
SKIN HEALTH:
Drinking black tea benefits the skin in three ways. First, it nourishes the skin with vitamins B2, C, and E, with minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and essential polyphenols and tannins. Second, its caffeine and some of its other chemical components can kill oral viruses, which helps prevent skin infections (and pimples). Third, black tea has been shown to reduce "mimic wrinkles" and signs of premature aging.
Using black tea for herbal baths can provide an antioxidant boost for your skin and may even provide low levels of sun protection.
HAIR HEALTH:
The high levels of antioxidants and caffeine in black tea both benefit hair health. The caffeine decreases a hormone that causes hair loss (known as DHT or dihydrotestosterone), while the antioxidants promote healthy hair growth. Black tea can also add shine, luster, and darkness your hair if you incorporate it into your hair care regimen.
BONE AND CONNECTIVE TISSUES
If you drink tea regularly, you are more likely to have stronger bones and connective tissue than someone who doesn't drink tea regularly. Scientists believe this may be due to tea's phytochemicals.
BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM:
The caffeine in black tea has been shown to improve mental focus and concentration by promoting blood flow in the brain. Unlike drinks with higher levels of caffeine and other stimulants, the caffeine in black tea is less likely to over-stimulate the heart and cause other unpleasant side effects.
Caffeine aside, studies show that L-theanine (an amino acid found in black tea) balances the effects of caffeine in a unique way, helping you concentrate more fully on tasks and act in a focused but relaxed manner. Furthermore, studies show that one month of four cups of black tea a day reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol enough to boost your memory function, and some studies suggest that regular black tea consumption may prevent Parkinson's disease.
ENERGY:
Moderate caffeine consumption not only stimulates metabolism, but it also increases alertness and overall brain function. The caffeine in tea is mitigated by the naturally occurring chemical L-theophylline, which makes the effects of tea on energy level more smooth and continuous than the sometimes jarring effects of coffee and caffeinated sodas. Additionally, while caffeine mainly stimulates the muscles, L-theophylline targets the heart, kidneys and respiratory system, so the overall impact on the body is more evenly distributed and balanced.
BENEFITS OF THEARUBIGINS:
Compared to other tea types, black tea is particularly high in chemical compounds called thearubigins. These chemicals give black tea its reddish color and are formed during the oxidation process of making black tea. Studies suggest that thearubigins benefit the body and mind in many ways, including lessening the effects of coughs and colds, providing anti-inflammatory effects that benefit certain illnesses such as IBS, and fighting prostate cancer and A375 melanoma cells.
If you have never tried full leaf tea, give it a try! Some people feel they have experienced tea, when they have really only tried typical store brand tea bags. It is best to choose a quality, organic tea that is responsibly sourced.
We offer a variety of organic, artisan teas that are available in a sampler pack, 28 gram or 50 gram quantities at vibeslifestyle.com.
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