Black Tea is a fully fermented tea rich in polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects. According to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), black tea is considered warm in nature and has the benefits of warming the stomach, promoting health, invigorating the mind, enhancing intelligence, relieving fatigue, reducing edema, stopping diarrhea, having antibacterial properties, and boosting immunity. The caffeine in black tea stimulates blood vessels and the heart, accelerating metabolism and facilitating the excretion of lactic acid, thus alleviating fatigue. Additionally, the polyphenols in black tea can inhibit substances that harm bone cells, thereby strengthening bones. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Black tea helps digest meat products, making it particularly suitable for those who consume a lot of meat, as it assists with digestion and lowering lipids. However, people with nervous weakness or cardiovascular disease should Drink black tea in moderation due to its stimulating effect. Avoid drinking black tea before taking medication, as it may affect the efficacy of the drugs. Also, refrain from drinking it before bedtime to prevent disturbances in Sleep quality.
What Are the Detriments of Drinking Black Tea Long-Term?
Boosting energy and relieving fatigue: The caffeine in black tea stimulates the brain cortex and central nervous system, enhancing alertness, focus, and cognitive function while improving memory.
Quenching thirst and cooling the body: Drinking black tea in summer can quench thirst and cool the body, as the polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, and pectin in the tea react chemically with saliva, stimulating its secretion and creating a sensation of hydration and coolness in the mouth.
Diuretic effect: The combined action of caffeine and aromatic compounds in black tea increases renal blood flow, raises glomerular filtration rate, dilates renal microvessels, and inhibits water reabsorption by renal tubules, leading to increased urine output.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial: The polyphenols in black tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Patients with bacterial dysentery and food poisoning benefit from drinking black tea, as it can reduce inflammation and promote the elimination of toxins.
Toxin removal: The theobromine in black tea can adsorb heavy metals and alkaloids, precipitating and breaking them down. This is especially beneficial for people whose drinking water and food are contaminated by industrial pollutants.
Taboos of Drinking Black Tea
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Avoid drinking new tea, as teas stored for less than half a month contain high levels of polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can significantly irritate the gastric mucosa.
Pregnant women should avoid drinking black tea, as it can affect both the fetus and the mother.
Do not drink tea when you have a fever, as the caffeine in tea can raise body temperature and reduce the effectiveness of medications.