Black tea

Key health benefits

• Lowers the risk of cancer due to high levels of antioxidants that prevent the oxidation that damages DNA and turns normal cells cancerous
• When combined with a diet high in soy, like that of the Chinese, black tea has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, a process in which cancerous tumours grow blood vessels to stay alive
• Antioxidants such as flavonoids reduce cholesterol that clogs up your blood vessels and prevents blood from reaching the heart
• Flavonoids are linked with the reduction of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol, in the blood
• Studies show that 150 milligrams of flavinoids - the amount in an average cup of tea - produced immediate health effects on the heart, while 500 milligrams - or roughly three-and-a-half cups of tea - produced a more sustained effect
• Studies show that heart patients who drink four cups of black tea a day for a month have greatly improved blood circulation
• Compounds found in black tea leaves fight cavities and can reduce plaque

Downsides?

Tea has half the amount of caffeine than coffee and far less than coke, nevertheless, too much of a good thing CAN cause insomnia and nervousness. Note that out of the three main types of tea, black tea contains the most caffeine.

Extensive research shows that up to 300 milligrams of caffeine (about eight cups of tea) is not a health risk.

Anaemics should avoid excessive tea drinking with meals because the antioxidant properties of tea can reduce an individual's ability to absorb iron.

Too much tea can discolour your teeth.

   Interesting facts

A study conducted by the American Heart Foundation in New Orleans found that tea drinkers have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. This is because black tea relaxes and expands the arteries thereby increasing blood flow to the heart.   

  Did you know?

 Do your feet smell? Are they tired and aching from being squashed into your shoes all day? If so, fill a tub with diluted lukewarm tea, the juice of one lemon and a pinch of salt for a relaxing foot soak.

Mosquito bite? Place a wet tea bag on the bite to relive pain and swelling.

Tired, sore eyes? Give them a rest by placing wet teabags on them for a few minutes.