Black Tea: Health Uses and Risks (2024)

FAQs

Is there a downside to drinking black tea? ›

The caffeine in black tea, especially when taken in large amounts, might worsen diarrhea. Seizures: Black tea contains caffeine. High doses of caffeine might cause seizures or decrease the effects of drugs used to prevent seizures. If you have ever had a seizure, don't take high doses of caffeine.

Drinking at least two cups of black tea daily lowers the risk of death from any cause by almost 13% compared to people who do not drink tea, according to a recent study. As in other findings, the more tea participants drank, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease and stroke.

Both beverages offer health benefits and the best one for you will depend on taste and what you're looking for. If you want to lose weight, black tea (or green tea!) is a better choice than coffee. If you need a high-energy kick, coffee's higher caffeine content is the clear winner.

Black tea not only has effects on the digestive system, but also on the urinary system. Known to hydrate the body, it stimulates the functioning of the kidneys, while promoting the elimination of toxins. Its diuretic effect consists in eliminating more water and salt than usual.

Black tea is rich in oxalate, a compound found naturally in many foods. Too much of it can also lead to kidney stones. The man likely consumed 1,500 milligrams of the compound daily. As a comparison, the average person ingests between 150 and 500 milligrams of oxalate each day.

Adding lemon peel or lemon verbena to black tea not only elevates the flavor but significantly enhances its health benefits. Lemon juice increases the absorption of antioxidants from the tea, maximizing its health potential.

Green tea will get you “the most bang for your buck” when it comes to nutritional benefits, Crumble Smith said. It has better antioxidant properties than black tea because it contains more polyphenols.

Black tea is the most-consumed tea beverage in the world, and its health benefits, including anti-obesity anti-atherosclerosis properties and the prevention of fatty liver, have been frequently reported (5).

Key takeaways: Both green and black tea come from the same plant. But because of how they are processed, green tea typically contains less caffeine than black tea. Green tea is thought to be healthier than black tea because it has a higher number of beneficial compounds.

Is black tea good for your arteries? ›

“Black tea has cardio-protective benefits that can improve blood vessel function and blood flow,” says Mintz. He also notes this is due to polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants found in plants like tea lives, which research suggests can help prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.

Black tea contains polyphenols, which may help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut while also stopping the growth of bad bacteria. Black teas also contain antimicrobial properties that can destroy any harmful substances found in the gut. The result is better overall health in the digestive system.

Participants from a 2014 study published in Food & Function who drank three cups of black tea every day for three months saw more weight loss and reduction in their waist circumference (AKA their belly fat) than those who didn't drink the tea.

Benefits of Drinking Black Tea in the Morning, in the Evening, or at Night. If you want to stay awake during the night or prefer having tea after the daytime, the ideal time is 8:30 pm. At this time, your immune system performs at its best. Thus, drinking black can help replenish and repair it.

Green and black tea provide similar health benefits, including for your heart and brain. While green tea may contain more powerful antioxidants, the evidence does not strongly favor one tea over the other. Both contain the stimulant caffeine and L-theanine, which has a calming effect.

Although moderate tea consumption is typically healthy for most people, drinking too much may lead to side effects, such as anxiety, poor sleep, and headaches. Most side effects are related to tea's caffeine and tannin contents. Tea is one of the world's most beloved beverages.

Key takeaways: Both green and black tea come from the same plant. But because of how they are processed, green tea typically contains less caffeine than black tea. Green tea is thought to be healthier than black tea because it has a higher number of beneficial compounds.

If you're a regular tea drinker, you can continue drinking tea and it will contribute to your overall hydration level. It shouldn't replace water, though, especially if you're drinking more than six or seven cups of black tea per day. It's important to incorporate some water into your daily fluid intake.