Black tea is a type of drink that is very well known in the world from China to Europe. Now black tea is no longer a mere pleasure drink but has also become an integral part of human life. Thus, in important activities and moments, black tea is often a special drink for the guest of honor. This beneficial chemical-rich drink has also become a certain culture in society. For a long time, black tea has been known to have many health benefits, including heart health, and even cancer.
This one drink is not only delicious on the tongue but also offers many health benefits if consumed properly.
Get to know black tea further
In fact, black tea is just like any other tea in general, namely white, green or oolong tea. They are all made with tea leaves known as Camellia sinensis. So, the tea comes from the same tea leaf, it’s just that there are other ingredients that make it taste different. Black tea contains a lot of caffeine which is the reason that it is processed from real tea leaves. The amount of caffeine is high, and it is oxidized over a long period of time. The caffeine content of black tea is usually as much as half a cup of regular coffee.
Production Process
The production process is an important step in preparing tea to make it higher quality. The trick is to harvest them by hand, then dry the tea leaves in the sun on a bamboo mat until they wither. Then the limp tea leaves are rolled in such a way and continue with the oxidation process.
In the next stage, after the tea leaves change color to black or brown, the tea leaves are heated to prevent further oxidation. Then the tea leaves are sorted and selected by experts to be grouped between quality and lower quality.
Types
Types of black tea are usually grouped according to the place where the tea is harvested. The place where black tea is planted is an important factor in getting a unique and delicious taste. For example, black tea grown in India and Sri Lanka, both of which are known as high quality tea leaves.
The leaves planted in India are known as Assam and Darjeeling, while those grown in Sri Lanka are called Ceylon tea leaves. There are also tea leaves that have been mixed with other ingredients such as bergamot, this is like British black tea known as Earl Gray. It tastes like orange because it has added bergamot in it.
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Flavor and Aroma
The taste of tea varies, but black tea is the tea with the strongest taste and aroma. It is even said that the taste of black tea is the same as the aroma of a light cup of coffee. The taste and aroma of black tea is also greatly influenced by the place where it is planted, how it is harvested and how it is produced. These are all an essential part of the preparation of high-quality teas. That is why this tea must be processed by an expert.
The taste of black tea usually ranges from sweet and savory, you can also find malty, smoky, nutty, and earthy flavors. Some tea brands have added the aroma of orange, caramel, and even honey.
Health Benefits of Black Tea
1. Treating cancer
Black tea has tremendous health benefits. This is because it contains high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Polyphenol compounds are associated with their ability to treat cancer. This is an antioxidant called EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate.
In a study it was stated that these antioxidants can prevent cells from mutating. Jam that the EGCG compound can also kill certain cancer cells. Among the cancers that are very effective in preventing black tea are breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer.
Even though black tea is declared capable of treating or preventing cancer cells, this does not mean we can treat cancer by drinking tea. If we drink tea regularly and balanced with a healthy lifestyle, then the benefits of black tea will prevent the spread of cancer cells and can prevent the formation of cancer cells.
2. Supports heart health
One of the phenomenal health benefits of black tea is that it is healthy for the heart. Drinking black tea regularly can prevent excess bad cholesterol so you avoid strokes and heart attacks. It is also great in reducing associates of high blood pressure and various other cardiovascular diseases.
A study on the properties of black tea involved two groups. One group of participants were asked to consume black tea three times a day for 12 weeks and the other group were those who drank only hot water and did not do the trial by drinking tea. The results of this study showed that those who drank the tea proved to be healthier heart, they experienced a decrease in blood pressure and triglycerides compared to those who drank only hot water.
There are many other studies involving multiple participants in proving the health benefits of black tea. Drinking 3 cups of black tea a day provides a great benefit in reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack by 21% compared to those who consume black tea less than a cup per day. Moreover, those who do not consume black tea at all.
3. Benefits of black tea for diabetes
Black tea is no longer a secret as a healthy drink to control blood sugar. However, you must reduce sugar when consuming tea. Among the benefits is preventing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease that occurs as a result of excess sugar in the blood making it difficult for insulin to convert sugar into energy.
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Insulin is an important substance in sugar processing. When there is a lot of sugar in the body, the body releases insulin to transport this sugar to the muscles and convert it into energy. However, when there is excess sugar, insulin cannot accommodate all of this, resulting in insulin resistance. When the sugar is excessive, the sugar that cannot be converted into energy is then converted by the body into fat.
Americans are on a sugary diet, and over the last decade there has been an increase in diabetes as a result of these sugary foods. The scary thing about diabetes is that it stimulates the emergence of other diseases such as obesity, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.
4. Boosts Digestive System
Black tea is a popular drink in Asia, medical experts argue that drinking black tea regularly can improve digestion and relieve it. In addition, black tea is also useful for preventing stomach ulcers and preventing diarrhea. However, the advice in consuming black tea is not to provide a lot of sugar.
Research says that drinking black tea is good for the development of good bacteria and can inhibit bad bacteria. Consuming black tea regularly is good in preventing salmonella bacteria and Helicobacter pylori bacteria, both of which are the causes of heartburn.
The benefits of black tea are also to relieve diarrhea and stomach aches. This tea contains tannins which are known as astringent effects. Astringen is tasked with providing smooth defecation and preventing various diseases due to non-smooth waste.
5. Rich in antioxidants
The benefits of black tea cannot be separated from the many antioxidants in it. So, diligently consuming this healthy drink can provide support for overall health. Antioxidants fight free radicals which are the cause of cell damage and immunity. This cell damage will later become cancer cells, so by eating foods and drinks rich in antioxidants, this damage can be prevented.
Antioxidants are compounds that can fight free radicals. These are chemicals that come from various sources such as air pollution, water pollution, chemicals in food, or in drinks. So by consuming foods such as fruit that are rich in antioxidants, we hope that cell damage can be prevented.
6. Increase focus and energy
Black tea is the single most caffeinated tea beverage. The benefits of caffeine if not in excess are increasing focus and energy and being able to increase morale. That is why drinking a cup of black tea in the morning can improve the quality of work and study for children. Black tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. this substance will smooth the flow of caffeine so as not to cause excess caffeine.
In a study also stated that black tea can increase energy when this caffeine is paired with L-theanine.
A delicious and delicious way to consume black tea is to mix it with milk. Add a little orange, and mint leaves.
7. Good for brain protection
The benefits of black tea are to protect the brain from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This benefit is obtained because it is rich in antioxidants from this tea. Another benefit is preventing stress and depression. Research published in Psychopharmacology states that participants who consume black tea regularly for a certain time have less or less production of the hormone cortisol, a hormone that causes stress and anxiety.
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