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Did you know that tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water? The United States Tea Association reports that black tea accounted for around 84% of tea consumption in the U.S. in 2018.

Black tea is known for its nutritional benefits and lower caffeine content than coffee and energy drinks. Its benefits are quite similar to green tea, but the oxidation process is what sets it apart. If you are wondering why you should opt for black tea specifically, then read on.

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It may improve your immune system.

The human cell is the body's main source of energy. When your cells are healthy, you are healthy. If your cells are sick, you get sick. What causes cell damage are free radicals and unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. Antioxidants, on the other hand, are substances that can prevent or slow down this type of damage. Consuming them may ultimately help decrease the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.

Although there are supplements that provide antioxidants, it is still best to consume them through food and beverages. In fact, some research shows that taking antioxidants through supplements may be harmful. While both green and black tea are great sources of antioxidants, their oxidation processes produce different types of it.

The antioxidants found in black tea are a combination of polyphenols, such as catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins, which may promote overall health. Polyphenols are chemical compounds that protect plants from ultraviolet radiation, bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing microorganisms. Catechins help prevent cell damage. One study has shown that consuming 690mg of catechins from tea on a daily basis for 12 weeks decreases body fat. Plus, it may inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of bad breath.

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It may improve your gut health.

The type of bacteria in your gut may play a significant role in your health. Bad bacteria like salmonella and E. coli may harm your gut, for example. In order to inhibit their growth while promoting the growth of good bacteria, the polyphenols found in black tea might help.

In addition to this, black tea also contains antimicrobial properties that kill off harmful substances and may help repair the lining of the digestive tract. Further research is still needed before a strong conclusion can be made, though.

Furthermore, the majority of the immune system can be found in your gut. This means that the good bacteria that black tea helps promote can benefit 70 to 80 percent of your immune system. A UCLA study has also shown that the polyphenols in black tea stick around in the microbiome longer and make a bigger impact than green tea.

Most people in the study have also reportedly experienced digestive upset when drinking green tea, which makes black tea a safer bet. The study explains that green tea is a diuretic that increases the flow of urine and sometimes causes a feeling of bloatedness. Black tea, on the other hand, helps prevent any sort of feeling of bloatedness as it has a direct impact on digestion.

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It may help improve your cholesterol levels.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered "bad" because it transports cholesterol to cells throughout the body. LDL is a waxy type of fat or lipid and too much can cause build-up in the arteries and eventually lead to problems like heart failure or stroke.

Fortunately, some studies have found that consuming black tea may help reduce LDL cholesterol. The research concluded that black tea helps improve cholesterol levels in individuals at risk for heart disease or obesity. Some studies even found evidence to suggest that people who drank four cups of black tea or more per day had a lower risk of stroke. These amounts, however, would contribute a significant amount of caffeine to a person's daily intake.

Black tea also contains a group of antioxidants called flavonoids, which can help boost the health of your heart. Aside from high cholesterol, regular consumption of flavonoids may help reduce many risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels, and obesity.

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It may help improve your blood circulation.

Black tea gives added protection against atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries. Plaque hardens and narrows your arteries over time, which limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body.

Aside from heart failure and stroke, plaque buildup in arteries could lead to chronic kidney disease. Free radicals can contribute to this condition, but the antioxidants found in black tea can help remove them.

In addition to this, high blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic. This decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart. In reducing blood pressure, a study looked at the role of black tea and found that those who drank black tea had a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

It has also been found that consuming black tea cancels out the impact of a high-fat meal on blood pressure despite its caffeine content. However, this study was conducted with only 19 participants, so a larger study might be necessary to confirm the results.

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In conclusion, black tea is one of the best alternatives for those who want a low-calorie and non-sweetened beverage with less caffeine than coffee or energy drinks. Its strong and unique flavor is packed with plenty of antioxidants that can provide various health benefits. These include an improved immunity system, gut health, cholesterol levels, and blood circulation.

The best part is that black tea is easy to prepare and can be bought online. Adagio offers a variety of loose-leaf black teas sourced directly from the artisan farmers who tender them. You can choose from English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Black Dragon Pearls, and many other gourmet teas! From brisk to malty to spicy to nutty, you can definitely find a flavor that is perfect for your taste. Adagio's direct-trade advantage claims to ensure superior taste, freshness, and value. Check them out today.

Of course, drinking tea with added milk, sweeteners, or syrup should also be mindful of the possible risks, such as high caffeine and sugar intake. Asking your doctor for the right amount of black tea intake is also recommended so it will not interfere with any medications you might currently be taking or affect other aspects of your health.

SOURCES:

What are the health benefits of black tea?

United States Tea Association - Tea Fact Sheet

10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Black Tea

Black Tea Is Emerging As a Gut-Health Hero--Here's What You Need to Know

Thearubigins - Science Direct

Theaflavin - Science Direct