Black tea (also called Red tea) is prepared from the plant Camellia sinensis (an evergreen species of shrub). It is the most oxidized of all the 4 types of tea (other 3 are – Oolong Tea, Green Tea, White Tea) prepared from this plant.
Green tea usually loses its flavour within a year whereas black tea can retain the same for several years. Hence, the latter has historically been an object of immense trade potential1 (Wikipedia).
This article looks at the potential benefits of consuming Black Tea based on scientific research.
Health Benefits of Black Tea
1. Improves Cognitive Ability
Black tea may help you maintain mental alertness and cognitive function. The main potential effect of all teas is its impact on the central nervous system.
A 2011 study2 (De Bruin et al., 2011) about the benefits of Black tea on cognitive function demonstrated better auditory and inter-sensory attention in the individuals who participated in the study.
Black tea has caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine in quantities of 5.13 and 17.73 mg/g approximately. Caffeine works as a stimulant whereas L-theanine has a relaxing effect3 (Boros et al., 2016).
2. Weight Loss
Plain Black tea without sweeteners has a negligible amount of calories1 (Wikipedia).
Moreover, the polyphenols in Black tea can play a major role in weight loss.
A 2016 study4 (Pan et al., 2016) conducted on the efficacy of Black tea in treating obesity suggested that Black tea polyphenols are more effective that Green tea polyphenols in weight loss and that Black tea may assist in weight loss by reducing the oxidative stress on the body and reducing calorie intake.
Another study5 (Bøhn et al., 2014) suggested that short-term (about 3 months) ingestion of Black tea may help in improving body weight and fat distribution in the body and result in inhibited weight gain and reduction in waist circumference (which means a more flat belly). This did not, however, show an impact over periods as long as 6 months. So this may be effective at least for your diet in the short-term.
3. Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people in the world6 (WHO, 2018).
The metabolic syndrome is being increasingly used as the risk marker for cardiovascular diseases. Researches have been done to find if Black tea may help reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome that can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
A long-term study7 (Li et al., 2017) (more than 7 years) in China observed the co-relation between intake of tea and a reduced risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD).
Another study8 (Gardner et al., 2007) had sufficient evidence to show that there is a risk reduction of cardiovascular diseases when the subjects consume 3 or more cups of Black tea in a day.
A 2009 study34 (Grassi et al., 2009) on the effect of dose-dependent Black tea consumption on flow-mediated dilation (which causes reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases) in healthy males found that Black tea may have a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.
4. Boost Immune System
The gastrointestinal system has a vital role in your immune system10 (Vighi et al., 2008). It is the major means of contact with the external environment and is filled with external stimuli (both good and bad).
About 70-80% of the components of immune system reside in your gut. Hence, the type of microorganisms that are present and absent from your gut may be a significant factor in deciding your immune response.
A scientific review9 (Steptoe et al., 2007) on the subject suggests that polyphenols (as contained in tea) may act as promoting factors of presence and growth of beneficial gut bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus strains) and inhibits the presence of some pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Helicobacter pylori species.
Evidence from other on-going researches11 (Ozdal et al., 2016) suggests that phenolic compounds benefits gastro-intestinal health by modulating gut microbial balance by the simultaneous inhibition of pathogens and stimulation of beneficial bacteria.
5. Reduce Stress
As mentioned above (in point 1), Black tea has an amino acid called L-theanine that has a relaxing effect.
An investigation9 (Steptoe et al., 2007) conducted in 2 groups (of randomized design) in the UK suggested that 6 weeks of tea consumption led to post-stress cortisol, greater relaxation and reduced platelet activation. The inference here is that Black tea may have health benefits in part by aiding stress recovery.
6. Prevent Asthma Attacks
Caffeine in Black tea (and other teas for that purpose) has been found to have an inhibiting effect on asthma attacks.
A Cochrane Airways Group trial12 (Welsh et al., 2010) held in 2010 concluded that caffeine helped to improve airways function modestly up to 4 hours after ingestion.
7. Reduce Blood Pressure
About one in 10 people face issues with high blood pressure14. It is also part of the metabolic syndrome.
A research13 (Hodgson et al., 2012) letter from a 2012 study by Hodgson, Puddey and Woodman summarised that long-term regular consumption of black tea can result in significantly lower Blood Pressure levels in individuals with normal to high-normal range Blood Pressure levels.
8. Reduce the Effects of Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of mortality among children, especially in developing countries. Even for others, it is still a very uncomfortable and dangerous condition.
A single-blind clinical trial15 (Doustfatemeh et al., 2017) in Iran conducted in 2017 on the effect of Black Tea on 140 children (2-12-year-old range) with acute non-bacterial Diarrhoea showed that Black Tea may be a safe and effective treatment method for Diarrhoea.
Another study16 (Besra et al., 2003) in rodents that were conducted to find the mechanism of the anti-diarrheal property of Black Tea suggested the cause of this beneficial effect to be the possible inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
9. Prevent/Treat Ulcers
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a break in the inner lining of the stomach, the first part of the small intestine or the lower oesophagus. Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract17 (Maity et al., 2001).
There are clinical studies that suggest that Black Tea may be effective in the treatment of ulcers.
The beneficial effects of Black tea in the treatment of peptic ulcer and the impacts of thearubigins (a type of polymeric polyphenols) pigment in the treatment of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease has been shown in a study18 (Wikipedia).
The mechanism suggested by the study revolved around the enzyme oxidation undergone by polyphenolic compounds in Black tea into pigments called thearubigins (a type of polymeric polyphenols) and theaflavins (a type of antioxidant polyphenols that are formed from the condensation of flavan-3-ols in tea leaves).
Another 1998 study19 (Maity et al., 1998) suggested that Black Tea aids in the prevention of ulceration. It also found that an anti-oxidant found in the body called glutathione plays a major role in the process.
The observations in a study20 (Maity et al., 1995) on the effect of hot water extract of Black tea on anti-ulcer activity suggested that the beneficial effect of Black tea on ulcer treatment is probably mediated through prostaglandins.
10. Beauty Treatments
Black tea extracts may help remove dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes.
It is a popular practice these days to use tea bags for beauty treatments by placing them (or such extracts) over the eyes to help reduce dark circles and wrinkles. If you are one of the people who have done that, you may be delighted to know that there is scientific evidence behind it.
A clinical trial21 (Ahmadraji et al., 2015) conducted in women using caffeine pad containing vitamin K in an Emu oil base showed an improvement in eye counter appearance with anti-dark circle capacity and as a smoothening agent. The study showed a marked improvement in the depth of wrinkles and dark circles. It also found a subjective appearance in the elasticity of the skin around the area of application.
Black tea has a class of compounds called tannins. They have a bitter flavour and contribute to the dark colour in Black tea. They also have astringent properties that may help make the skin less oily22 (Rate Tea).
Please note that unlike the other points where we talked about the benefits of Black tea consumption, in this point, we discussed the external use of Black tea and its extracts.
11. Prevent Skin Cancer
Black tea and its extracts may protect against skin cancer or skin issues.
The polyphenol content in Black tea has been observed to have photo-protective properties and prevent skin related problems.
In fact, a study24 (Zhao et al., 1999) of Standard Black Tea Extracts by topical (external application) and oral application concluded that constituents of black tea can abrogate UVB-induced erythema and associated early events in human skin.
Another study25 (Rees et al., 2007) on the chemo-preventive properties of tea constituents (including polyphenols) that can inhibit skin cancer in animals found that increased tea consumption resulted in reduced risk of skin cancer.
12. Reduce Hair Fall
Hair fall is a common dermatological problem affecting both men and women. It is hereditary and is mainly caused by the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
One study23 (Bansal et al., 2012) suggested that the beneficial effects of applying caffeine may be attributed to the inhibition of DHT, inhibition of phosphodiesterase, improvement in barrier function, follicular penetration, stimulation and promotion of hair growth.
Another interesting study26 (Yesudian, 2012) conducted in 2012 on whether caffeine-containing beverages can regrow hair on bald heads observed that it may indeed be possible in the future and that the prospect has sufficient promise to warrant more research. The researchers in this study were able to cultivate human hair follicles from balding areas of bald male patients and observe the differential stimulatory effects of caffeine in varying doses. It was shown that 0.001% of caffeine prevented the suppressive effect of testosterone on the cultured hair follicles.
Please note that the point made here is about caffeine content and hence, may be applicable to any beverage (not just black tea) containing the same.
13. Reduce Risk Of Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the major diseases in the elderly population.
A study27 (Panagiotakos et al., 2009) in elderly people living in Mediterranean islands suggests that long-term tea intake is associated with reduced levels of fasting blood glucose and lower prevalence of diabetes. It also revealed that moderate tea consumption (1 – 2 cups/day) was associated with 70% lower odds of having (type-2) diabetes, irrespective of age, sex, body mass, smoking, physical activity status, dietary habits and other clinical characteristics.
Another study28 (Odegaard et al., 2008) conducted among Asian men and women in Singapore (aged between 45-75 years) observed that regular consumption of coffee and potentially black tea is associated with a lower risk of type-2 diabetes. In the study, participants who had at least one cup of Black tea had a suggestive 14% reduction in risk of diabetes.
14. Improve Bone Health
Bone diseases like Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia etc. are a common problem, especially among elderly women.
An observational study29 (Myers et al., 2015) among 1188 Australian women aged above 75 years observed that there is a lower risk of fracture-related hospitalizations among the subjects who reported a higher intake of Black tea and particular classes of flavonoids.
15. Improve Oral Health
One study33 (Kashket et al., 1988) was affirmative that tea beverage inhibits salivary amylase, under conditions existing in the mouth during and shortly after consumption of tea drink.
High salivary amylase activity is associated with an increase in dental caries (decay and crumbling of the tooth). They suspect that binding of alpha-amylase to bacteria and teeth plays a major role in dental plaque and caries formation30, 31 (Goenka et al., 2013; Scannapieco et al., 1993).
Results from a study30 (Goenka et al., 2013) on the effects of Black tea on preventing dental decay suggest that the tannin content and theaflavins (present only in black tea) inhibited the salivary amylase activity and resulted in notable anti-decaying actions.
Along with this mechanism, Black tea was found to be more effective than Green tea for improving oral health33 (Kashket et al., 1988).
Recommended Dosage of Intake
The common dosage of use is normally 2 cups per day. This is as per consumed by most people on a safe basis. About 80% of the world is tea-drinkers and they consume about this much without deleterious impacts on their health. If you have concerns about your specific case, it would be better to consult your doctor, especially if you intend to increase the dosage.
Comparing Green Tea And Black Tea
Associated Risks of Black Tea Consumption
If you are interested in learning more about the risks associated with tea consumption, you can check out our article on the Risks Associated with Tea Consumption.
Having said all this, it would be wise for the readers to bear in mind that this topic is still an on-going study in the medical community and a precise verdict based on universal consensus of these benefits is still pending.
Nonetheless, there are enough researches out there to suggest that good-quality Black tea in moderate doses has an overall beneficial effect for humans. And the fact is that while it is no definite cure for anything, studies do show that it certainly might increase your odds of a healthier life.
Happy Drinking!!
References
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