Black Tea - The Oxidized Cousin of Green Tea by Anurag Ghosh
Made from fresh Camellia sinensis leaves, Black tea is
an oxidized cousin of green and white tea. Known for its strong
aroma, black tea is popularly known as "crimson tea" in Chinese
because of its color. Its flavor remains intact for several years,
whereas green tea's flavor diminishes within one year.
Besides flavor, black tea is also known for its health benefits.
Several scientific studies have recognized key antioxidant and
immune boosting benefits of black tea. Recent studies have also
revealed that black tea may have the potential to control diabetes.
Here are few important health benefits of black tea based on
studies and research:
Health Benefits of Black Tea
Previously,
researchers came to a conclusion that green tea is better than
black tea, especially when it comes to health benefits. But, recent
studies have shown that black tea is also endowed with significant
curative and health benefits. Black tea possesses important
antioxidant polyphenols theaflavins and
thearubigins, which have significant
cardiovascular benefits. Here are some more black tea benefits:
It May Help Reduce Stroke:
Since black tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, studies
have shown that regular consumption can lower the chances of stroke
and heart attacks. A comprehensive 15 year study conducted by the
Netherlands National Institute of Public Health and Environment
revealed that catechins present in black tea helps to lower
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol. Catechins are a
type of flavonoids that are also known to stop the production of
free radicals. It has been noticed that LDL is one of the main
reasons for inducing stroke or heart attack. Drinking black tea can
reduce the chances of a stroke or heart attack by 50 percent.
Drinking Black Tea Can Help Prevent Cancer
Black tea possesses an important compound called TF-2. This
chemical compound has the ability to prevent the growth of cancer
cells. Research conducted at the Rutgers University has found that
black tea can help prevent breast and stomach cancer. According to
Dr. Kuang Yu Chen of Rutgers University, black tea's chemical
compounds, especially TF-2 have the ability to fight against color
cancer cells and force them to "commit suicide", a process
scientifically called as "apoptosis programmed cell death".
Black Tea May Have the Ability to Control
Diabetes:
A recent article published in the Journal of Food Science
revealed how black tea can help control diabetes. According to the
Tianjin Key Laboratory researchers in China, black tea contains
high levels of polysaccharides--component similar to carbohydrate
that includes cellulose and starch. Polysaccharides are known to
reduce glucose absorption, which benefits diabetics. These glucose
inhibitors are very helpful in managing diabetes.
While there are few promising cardiovascular and anti-cancer
health benefits of black tea, more research still needs to be
conducted. However, the above claims certainly prove that black tea
is not inferior to green tea when it comes to health benefits.
Source -
http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/52444.aspx
References
http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/More-evidence-of-black-tea-benefits
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728172604.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tea
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