11 Benefits of Black Tea You Never Knew About

Have you ever been criticized for your love of caffeinated drinks, like tea or coffee? Of course, overindulging in either can have negative consequences, but an extra cup of black tea isn’t as harmful as many people think.

Undoubtedly, different types of tea—black, green, and herbal—are suitable for different people. While it’s important to follow doctors’ recommendations, for most of us, drinking one or two cups of black tea can actually be a healthy lifestyle choice.

Both green and black tea are made from the Camellia sinesis bush, but they use different processing methods. In addition to withering and rolling, black tea leaves are fermented before the final process—drying.

Below are 11 health benefits of regularly drinking a couple of cups of black tea a day. However, it’s important to note that it’s recommended to drink black tea without any additives, such as milk or sugar, to reap its full benefits.

1. Oral Health: Research sponsored by the Association for Tea Research has shown that black tea reduces platelet production and also reduces the growth of bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay. Polyphenols found in black tea kill and slow the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, as well as inhibit the growth of bacterial enzymes that form the sticky material that binds platelets to our teeth.

2. Improved Heart Health: As stated by the Arabian Journal of Chemistry in their 2009 research report «Green and Black Tea Consumption and Stroke Risk: A Meta-Analysis,» regardless of country of origin, people who drink 3 or more cups of tea have a 21% lower risk of stroke than people who consume less than 1 cup of green or black tea per day.

3. Antioxidants: Black tea contains polyphenols, which are also antioxidants. Polyphenols help prevent DNA damage associated with tobacco use and other toxic chemicals. These antioxidants are different from those found in fruits and vegetables, so regular consumption will provide additional benefits.

4. Cancer Prevention: Of course, much more research is needed to confidently use tea as a cancer preventative. However, previous research suggests that antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins in tea may help prevent certain types of cancer. It has been suggested that women who regularly drink black tea have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who do not.

5. Bone Health: It has also been suggested that frequent tea drinkers have stronger bones and are much less likely to develop arthritis, thanks to the phytochemicals found in tea.

6. Reduced Risk of Diabetes: Studies conducted among older adults living on Mediterranean islands have shown that those who drink black tea in moderation (i.e., 1-2 cups per day) over a long period of time are 70% less likely to develop or progress to diabetes.

7. Stress Relief: We’re all well aware of the calming and relaxing properties of black tea. Not only does it help you unwind after a long day, but studies have shown that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea also helps improve concentration. Furthermore, regular consumption of black tea in moderation has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

8. Immune System Improvement: Black tea contains alkylamine antigens, which help boost our immune system’s response. Moreover, it contains tannins, which have virus-fighting properties and therefore protect us from the flu, stomach flu, and other common viruses.