Black tea, when consumed with care, has been known to have a number of health benefits for the human body. It is a beverage that millions across the world have with regularity and they witness its benefits first-hand. But as is the case with all things in life, unless there is moderation, even a good thing can turn harmful for you and your body. Similarly, with Black tea, moderation is key.
Black tea, like most teas, comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. It is different however, because unlike Green Tea or Oolong, Black tea is fully oxidized. Meaning the tea leaves are exposed to oxygen-rich air. It’s usually consumed on its own or with milk and a sweetener. It is also used as a base tea in flavoured beverages like Earl Grey or Masala Chai. An interesting fact about Black tea is that it accounts for roughly 90% of all tea consumed in the West!
Before we jump into the various side-effects of overdoing our Black tea consumption, let us take a look at the amazing health benefits that this widely consumed drink has to offer us.
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Improves immune system- Good quality Black tea is packed with antioxidants which help destroy free oxygen radicals in the body. It is these free oxygen radicals that tend to mutate DNA and hamper normal cell function which in turn leads to inflammation. Simply put, Black tea restores normal body and cell functions and improves the immune system.
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Keeps the digestive tract healthy- Black tea ensures the proper functioning of the digestive tract and is key to keeping it healthy. Black tea has polyphenols which act as a prebiotic, meaning it increases good bacteria in the gut. They also prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the gut.
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Good for oral health- Proper consumption of Black tea can help protect you against dental cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. Moreover, it can help freshen your breath. And lastly, the fluoride present in black tea inhibits dental caries.
While the benefits of black tea are many, it’s also important to be aware of the side-effects of consuming too much Black tea. Let’s look at some of these side-effects-
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Increased agitation, anxiety, stress- Black tea tends to contain greater levels of caffeine as compared to Green tea or White tea. Add to that the fact that the longer you steep your tea, the higher its caffeine content, and there are a lot of things to consider about your tea consumption and preparation habits.
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Poor sleep patterns- the caffeine content of Black tea leads to poor sleep patterns. Melatonin, the hormone that tells your body that it’s time to sleep, is inhibited by caffeine. This is primarily what results in poor quality of sleep.
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Heartburn- The caffeine content of Black tea can cause heartburn. It may also aggravate pre-existing acid reflux symptoms.
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Headaches and dizziness- Drinking too much Black tea may also trigger headaches or dizziness. If you have recurrent headaches and you think it is your tea intake that’s causing it, you might want to change up your pattern.
Remember, the adage- too much is too bad. So when used in moderation, Black tea can be a refreshing, energizing drink that gives you a bunch of health benefits.
Here are some Karma Kettle Black Teas that you’ll love: