HonesTEA

Black tea (Camellia sinensis) comes from the same plant as other varieties of tea (white, green, oolong). Black tea undergoes the most processing and oxidation of all the teas, giving it its distinctive aroma, taste and darker colour. It is during this longer oxidization process that high levels of antioxidants, theaflavins and thearubigins, are produced. These antioxidants which are unique to black tea are thought to give black tea some of its protective health benefits.

A 2012 study revealed that drinking around 3 cups of black tea daily can help support cardiovascular function by improving cholesterol levels,  reducing triglyceride levels and boosting antioxidant protection. (1)

Risk of stroke is also lowered by 21% in those who enjoy 3 or more cups of black (or green) tea daily. (2)

Studies have also shown that black tea consumption can lower blood sugar levels and the chance of developing type-2 diabetes. Black tea contains polysaccharides which are effective in slowing down the absorption of glucose (more so than green or oolong teas), as well as neutralizing free radicals. (3)

In one long-term study individuals who drank 1-2 cups of black (or green) tea daily for 30 years or more had a 70% reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes. (4)

Drinking black tea can also help you de-stress, by lowering cortisol levels (the body’s major stress hormone) effectively after a stressful event. (5)