Black Tea: Health benefits and its dark side.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Research has proved that the consumption of black tea reduces the propensity of cardiovascular problems. The antioxidant, such as flavonoid, present prevent the oxidation of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol. It prevents the damage to the blood stream and the artery walls, and lowers the risk of heart disease. In fact, the consumption of tea has been found to reverse a coronary artery disease called Endothelial dysfunction.

This dysfunction also leads to other coronary diseases. The flavonoids are effective in improving coronary vasodilation and reducing blood clots. The polyphenols and manganese present in black tea reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by helping cardiac muscle function.

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Cancer Prevention

The antioxidants, called polyphenols, found in black tea help in preventing the formation of potential carcinogens in the body, resulting in the prevention of certain cancers like ovarian, lung, prostrate, colorectal and bladder cancers. Studies have revealed that it is effective in preventing stomach, prostate and breast cancer.

Black tea contains a compound called Team Fortress 2 (TF-2) that is responsible for causing apoptosis (programmed death of cancer cells), while the normal cells remain unaffected. Additionally, black tea can also significantly reduce the risk of oral cancer in those who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. It also prevents cancer by inhibiting the formation and growth of malignant tumors.

Eliminates Free Radicals

The free radicals in the body can cause various cell damages such as blood clot formation, cancer and atherosclerosis. The consumption of unhealthy food increases the number of free radicals in your body. The antioxidants present in tea remove these harmful free radicals, thus protecting the body from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and heart diseases. Black tea with lemon is a good choice for this action.

Boosts The Immune System

A strong immune system is necessary for fighting the bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses. It contains substances called tannin that have the ability to fight viruses such as influenza, dysentery, hepatitis, cold, and flu. One such tannin called catechin helps in suppressing tumors. The alkylamine antigens in this boost the immune response. Drinking 3 to 4 cups of each day helps in lowering inflammation and eliminates harmful pathogens.

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Oral Health

The catechin antioxidants contained in it help in the reduction of oral cancers. The polyphenols and tannin act as antibiotics. thus inhibiting the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Black tea contains fluoride which fights bad breath and prevents tooth decay by eradicating harmful bacteria from the oral cavity. A daily dose of two cups of black tea provides around 1.5 mg fluorides.

Black tea benefits The Brain And Nervous System

It contains lower levels of caffeine than coffee. The low amounts of caffeine promote the blood flow in the brain, without stimulating the heart, and improve mental alertness and concentration. The amino acid L-theanine, found in black tea, can help you relax and concentrate fully on tasks.

The consumption of four cups of tea daily for one month has been found to reduce the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. The caffeine in tea boosts your memory and studies have suggested that the consumption of it on a regular basis protects against Parkinson’s disease.

Healthy Bones And Connective Tissue

The powerful phytochemicals in it help in strengthening the bones and connective tissue. In fact, research has proved that black tea drinkers have comparatively healthier bones.

In addition to its various health benefits of black tea is also considered good for your skin. Blacktea is rich in vitamins B2, C and E, minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc, and some essential polyphenols and tannin. Thus, its nutritional value makes it beneficial for the skin in many ways.

• It also helps in reducing mimic wrinkles, and preventing pre-mature ageing and pimples. Thus, those suffering from these skin problems can try having one or two cups of black tea daily for beneficial results.
• The antioxidants present in it provide protection against skin cancer.
• Skin benefits of black tea, Due to its high caffeine content, drinking black tea can kill oral viruses and thus, help in preventing skin infections and keeping your skin blemish-free.
• The extract of it acts as a sun blocking agent when applied on the skin.
• Placing moist tea bags under your eyes helps in reducing puffiness.
• Black tea contributes to a glowing and blemish-free skin. The tannins protect your skin from the harmful impact of environment, improve the blood circulation and fight the bacteria in your body, thus providing protection against skin diseases.

Benefits of Green tea and its disadvantages

Due to the abundance of antioxidants and caffeine, considered extremely beneficial for the hair. It can be incorporated in your hair care regimen for stronger and damage-free hair. The various benefits of tea for the hair are given below:

• The caffeine present in black tea benefits in decreasing Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone found in the scalp that causes hair loss. Thus, black tea benefits in increasing the hair thickness and lowering the hair loss.
• Another benefit of caffeine is that it stimulates the hair growth when used once in a month. (Excess usage of caffeine should be avoided as it may stunt the growth).
• Using black tea rinses as part of your hair care regimen adds shine, luster and natural darkness to your hair because of its dark hue. For this purpose, add 3 bags of tea to 6 cups of boiling water. After keeping this mix for an hour at room temperature, pour it on your head and wrap your hair in a towel. Wash your hair normally after an hour or two.
• Black tea acts as a natural dyeing agent, and is suitable for women who have dark black or brown hair and want to get rid of gray hair or fading hair dyes. It darkens your hair besides adding shine and bringing out natural highlights.

Drinking black tea may result in low iron absorption in your intestines, which is dangerous for  people suffering from anemia one of most  important disadvantages of black tea. Hemoglobin requires iron for its formation, which carries oxygen in your blood. According to Linus Pauling Institute, if you take one cup of it with a meal, it may reduce iron absorption of your body by upto 70%.

According to Medline Plus, if your intake of tea is more than five cups a day, then it may cause caffeine overload and lead to symptoms such as increased blood pressure, headaches, nervousness, irritability, confusion, dizziness, hand tremors, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems. Caffeine also increases psychological dependence and triggers often urination as it’s a diuretic.

If you drink overwhelmingly, there can be the formation of kidney stone, as oxalates in black tea starts accumulating within the kidneys. Blacktea may also have estrogen-like effects in your body, which has negative effects for hormone-dependent tumors of the breasts or prostate gland.

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Conclusion

Health benefits of black tea, and as the disadvantages of black tea it is fine but. It is considered beneficial for health if taken in limited quantity. To reduce its disadvantages, like for iron absorption problem, take it before or after the meal. Buy decaffeinated and don,t consume too much at a time. Stay healthy stay fit and stay free from diseases.