Black tea: benefits and harm to the body

The history of tea began in the 2nd millennium BC. Today on Earth there is no person who would not indulge himself with a cup of hot tonic. Preparation and manufacture of a product for consumption is a painstaking and interesting process, thanks to which mankind has the opportunity to try new varieties and species, as well as enrich your body with useful vitamins.

Black Tea Production Technology

To get ready-to-drink black tea, the leaves must be subjected to four mandatory technological processes:

1. Withering - reducing the amount of moisture in the sheet. In hot countries, this process occurs on plantations. In countries with colder climates, special machines are used for this. The main reason for this is the compulsory temperature of 24–26 ° С.
2. Twisting is an important stage on which the strength of the drink in the future depends. The stronger the curl, the stronger the drink. Do it special rollers and STS machines.
3. Fermentation is the main process when it comes to black tea. At this time, chemical reactions occur, as a result of which a characteristic dark color of the leaves and a bitter saturated taste are acquired.
4. Drying is the end of fermentation and the complete removal of moisture from the leaves.

Species and varieties

Of the dozens of species and varieties of black tea, 3 are distinguished by the largest volumes of import and consumption:

Chinese
China is considered the first and main beverage supplier to all countries of the world. According to local tea experts, there are more than 1,500 types of Chinese tea. But the most popular are:

1. Kimun - basically it is added to tea blends for the reason that on its own this species has a bitter rich strong taste and astringent aroma.
2. Lapsan Souchong - unusual taste and smell is achieved by mixing leaves with pine needles. This variety was a favorite of Winston Churchill, he drank up to 2 liters of drink daily.

Indian
Cultivation and export began relatively recently - at the end of the XIX century. But due to the favorable climate, area and number of plantations, now it is in second place in the sale of tea after China. The main types:

1. Assam - tea grown in the homonymous province of India. This variety has a rich taste and is among the strongest.
2. Darjling is one of the most expensive varieties of Indian tea. It has a sweet floral taste.

Tea blends
Tea blends - a blend of various varieties with the addition of fruits, berries and plant oils. Most popular:

1. Earl Gray is the most popular variety in the world. The leaves are saturated with bergamot ether.
2. English breakfast - a mixture of different varieties of black tea based on Kimun.

What is the difference between black tea and green

Both black and green tea are made from the same plant, with the leaves breaking off at the same time. The only difference is that the leaves do not need a fermentation process to produce green tea.It is the lack of chemical treatment that leaves the leaves green and without bitterness. Green tea is especially popular in Japan and China, it was from there that it began to spread to European countries. While in India, Kenya, Turkey, black grades are preferred.

Which tea is healthier: black or green

The debate about which tea is healthier has been going on for several centuries. And scientists have not been able to come to a single conclusion so far. Both species are useful, each in its own way, and both have a beneficial effect on the health and nervous system of a person.

So, green tea, which has not undergone chemical processing, retains more vitamins and minerals. It calms the nervous system, prevents the occurrence of thyroid diseases, removes toxins, and is also an indispensable assistant for viral diseases. It retains a greater amount of antioxidants that contribute to a long life.

On the other hand, black tea helps with reduced pressure and thinning of the walls of blood vessels. It cleanses the lungs, reduces the risk of strokes and acts as the main protector of the liver. Thanks to fermentation, beneficial substances become more active.

Is there caffeine in black tea

Caffeine is a well-known stimulator of the nervous system, an invigorating element that favorably affects mental activity, improves physical condition. But along with its positive characteristics, it has many contraindications. This is a vasodilation, increased blood pressure, heart rate. It causes rapid addiction, which is exacerbated by the fact that a sharp rejection and cessation of use leads to stress for the body. The mood worsens, constant fatigue and drowsiness are felt. Therefore, the amount of stimulant used must be constantly monitored.

So, a cup of black tea of ​​medium strength accounts for about 65 mg of caffeine. With a daily norm of 200 ml, you can drink 3 cups of tea, not only without harm to health, but also to improve the functioning of internal organs and the brain. Moreover, caffeine in tea is not as aggressive as in coffee.

Composition and calorie content

The main component of black tea is an alkaloid, namely caffeine, its content is 4%. It also includes many organic substances, such as zinc, fluorine, potassium, iron, iodine and calcium, which contribute to the smooth functioning of internal organs and improve skin condition.

But the main advantage of the drink is the composition, which includes almost all the necessary vitamins for human beauty and health, namely:

• C - produces an antiseptic effect;
• B - positively affects the nervous system, helps in skin and hair problems;
• PP - fights allergic reactions;
• A - improves vision;
• P - useful for blood vessels;
• D - restores bone tissue.

The energy value per cup is 2 calories, with no fats, proteins, or carbohydrates.

What is useful black tea

Treatments are written about the benefits of a strong drink for the body. Due to the large number of vitamins, amino acids and essential oils with it, it is possible, if not completely eliminated, then to reduce the risks of diseases, as well as reduce existing health problems.

For women

1. Carotene, which is part of the composition, improves the functioning of the endocrine system and prevents diseases of the genital area.
2. Helps keep skin and hair healthy.
3. Niacin helps in the process of losing weight, and also contributes to the speedy recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.
4. It improves the menstrual cycle, relieves periodic pain.

For men

1. Black tea improves the functioning of the genitourinary system.
2. Reduces the risk of prostatitis.
3. Daily use prevents prostate adenoma.
4. Favorably affects potency.

During pregnancy

1. Black tea helps fight toxicosis, dizziness, and headaches.
2. It improves the functioning of the kidneys and intestines, which is necessary during pregnancy.
3. A large concentration of vitamins favorably affects the formation and development of the fetus, this saturates it with useful enzymes.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, a woman needs to include in the diet black tea of ​​weak brewing, preferably with milk. Enzymes accelerate the recovery process in the mammary glands, therefore, during the consumption of a drink, the amount of milk in a woman increases, it is saturated with vitamins and amino acids that are delivered to the baby, which favorably affects its development. Antioxidants, which are included in large quantities in the composition of leaves that have undergone chemical treatment, will contribute to a healthy baby’s sleep.

But do not abuse it. Any product is useful only in moderation; everything must be observed. And 3-4 cups of weakly brewed tea will be enough for both mother and child. Otherwise, it can excite the nervous system of the child and deprive him of sleep.

For kids

Of course, children under 3 years of age should not include tea in their regular diet. But from a cup of diluted warm tea with milk, lemon or honey, there will be nothing wrong with the benefit.

A growing body needs to be nourished with vitamins daily, as well as to replenish quickly wasted energy. A vitamin drink will help in this better than other remedies. But do not forget that caffeine excites the nervous system, so giving your child tea at night is not recommended.

Can I drink black tea while losing weight

For a long time, nutritionists have argued that green tea is more effective in losing weight than black tea. But in 2005, American scientists proved that it was fermented tea varieties that more contribute to the loss of extra pounds and accelerate the absorption of carbohydrates. Black tea speeds up the metabolic process and starts the work of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, if you follow a diet to lose extra pounds, you must include 3-4 cups of tea per day in the diet.

At the same time, there are some secrets that will help get rid of fat in unwanted places:

1. At night, pour a tablespoon of black tea with 500 ml of boiling milk. Insist until the morning in a thermos. The next day, drink it instead of meals. On such a fasting day, hunger is not felt. In this case, there is no likelihood of loss of consciousness, since the body is not only cleansed of toxins, but also saturated with vitamins.
2. During meals, drink warm black tea without sugar or honey. Tea can reduce appetite. That is why, using it with food, you can easily reduce the portion by half.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of cinnamon to brewed tea. Wrap in a warm blanket and let it brew for several hours. Drink like regular tea. Such an infusion will speed up the intestines and reduce fat deposition.

Black tea has wonderful properties that contribute to the removal of toxins from the body, it establishes the work of the stomach, fights ulcers and gastritis. Thanks to this, it is ideal for fighting excess weight without harming the body.

Black tea in medicine

The use of this product in traditional medicine began many centuries ago. And tea with raspberries or with honey has been familiar to everyone since childhood. A hot drink strengthens the immune system and restores the body after exhaustion of the disease. By relaxing the nervous system, it relieves headaches, calms and increases the flow of oxygen into the blood and brain.

In addition to the flu, he copes with other, more serious, chronic diseases.

With diabetes

The polyphenols contained in the infusion during consumption control the amount of sugar in the blood and break down their excess. Thus, they prevent damage to cells and the transition of concomitant diseases to chronic ones.Of course, this will not replace professional treatment and the use of synthetic drugs, but at some stages it will help to reduce the risk of aggravation of the disease, as well as restore normal blood sugar levels.

With pancreatitis

With this disease, it is better to use puer. It is this type that is able to normalize the pancreas. 2 cups per day will relieve inflammation, pain and will be a great addition to the main treatment.

With gastritis

Due to the irregular dietary schedule and the abuse of snacking, gastritis has become a leader in diseases of the modern world. To combat the disease, any variety is suitable. The only advice from doctors: adding milk and the amount of infusion per cup of water should not exceed a tablespoon.

For constipation

Black tea is the best fixing agent, so a strong drink should be excluded if a problem occurs. But Earl Gray in the form of heat with honey for the night can eliminate constipation. This combination makes the intestinal muscles work, which helps to relieve bowel movements.

With gout

With this disease, it is necessary to increase fluid intake, so even doctors recommend that small amounts of tea be consumed. It stimulates the kidneys, which helps to remove excess fluid from the body, reduces swelling, improves the condition of affected joints, reduces the amount of salt.

In case of poisoning

Dry leaves of an evergreen shrub remove toxic substances from the blood as soon as possible. They stabilize the salt balance. Strong tea with lemon and sugar will normalize the stomach, improve bowel function, remove toxins and normalize the aquatic environment.

Does black tea raise or lower blood pressure?

Since tea leaves are saturated with alkaloids, which include theobromine, xanthine and paraxanthin in large quantities, they are able to regulate low blood pressure in several stages.

So, during the first stage of exposure, they increase pressure and cause an excitation effect, improve mood and fill with energy. After that, the body gets used to the presence of pathogens in the blood, and their effect is stabilized. At the same time, they maintain reduced pressure at a normal level. Saturating blood with microelements, over time, they help get rid of the problem.

Unfortunately, the drink is strictly forbidden to people with high blood pressure or a high level of aggression. Strong tea leaves can lead to chronic hypertension.

If it is impossible to live a day without a hot drink, you just need to reduce the amount of caffeine in the composition. To do this, before the main brewing, it is necessary to fill the leaves with warm water and leave for 5 minutes. This will be enough to reduce the level of stimulant. After which the liquid must be drained and pour the tea leaves with boiling water. Such manipulation will protect against the harmful effects of tea on the body.

Black tea in cosmetology

Women have always sought to take all the most useful of improvised natural remedies to preserve their beauty. And tea helps in this sometimes better than expensive remedies. Vitamins in the plant are able to favorably affect the condition of the skin and hair, not only from the inside, but also when used as masks, tonic and rinse agents.

They are suitable for all types of skin and hair, help get rid of acne, redness, itching, as well as improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands and remove dandruff. Such funds have no contraindications and are convenient to use.

For face

1. 2 tablespoons of dry tea leaves pour boiling water. Let it brew for several hours, then strain it off the leaves and wipe the face twice a day in the morning and evening. This is necessary to remove the accumulated toxins in the skin. Pores very quickly absorb all the harmful substances that are in the polluted air. Vitamins nourish the skin, improve its condition and color.
2. Tea with honey will save eye swelling. To do this, stir a spoonful of honey in warm water and put 2 tea bags in it. Let it brew for several minutes, squeeze and put on eyes. This will not only reduce puffiness, but also relieve black circles.
3. In equal proportions, you need to mix oatmeal, black tea and honey. Stir, put on cheesecloth and put on face. Such a lifting mask will invigorate and tighten the skin, with constant use it will reduce the number of facial wrinkles.
4. In 2 tablespoons of fat sour cream, put a small spoonful of black tea. Leave on face for 10 minutes. This procedure is a salvation for dry skin, especially during vitamin deficiency. The skin after it will become velvety, will cease to peel off.
5. Shredded leaves mixed with olive oil. Make a facial massage with the mixture. It nourishes the skin and makes it radiant from the inside out.

For hair

1. Infusion of tea with rosemary. In 250 ml of boiling water, put 2 tablespoons of black tea, boil for 5 minutes and add a branch of rosemary. Wrap in a warm blanket, then strain and drain into a tightly closed container. It is necessary to rub the infusion daily for 2-3 months. This procedure will help after frequent changes in the color of dark hair, as during their coloring their natural pigment is lost. Tea will help not only restore color, but also give a beautiful shade and wake hair follicles.
2. With severe hair loss, a decoction with chamomile will help. It is necessary to brew tea and dried chamomile flowers in equal proportions. Daily use will get rid of the problem.
3. A mask based on cosmetic oils with the addition of tea will make your hair obedient and facilitate combing. For this, any oil is suitable - coconut, olive, jojoba, shea and others. Mix the ingredients, apply to hair and blow dry. Leave for half an hour, then rinse off in the usual way.
4. In a cup of brewed tea, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. After shampooing with essence, do skin massage. Repeat 2 times a week. After 6 sessions, the problem will disappear.

It is worth remembering that procedures for hair based on black tea are not suitable for blondes.

The benefits of black tea with various additives

Much has been said about the positive effects of tea, and its benefits to the body are beyond doubt. But it is necessary to consider its use with other useful components that will enhance all the positive properties of the drink.

With milk

Milk is a product that many people cannot tolerate in its pure form, but they readily drink in tea. Such a drink is useful for gastritis, and it is also intended for people who do not digest solid foods. It helps break down foods and soften them in the stomach.

This option is indispensable in the postoperative period, with immunodeficiency, kidney and liver diseases, and is also indicated for those who suffer from insomnia and neurosis.

In hot countries, hot tea with milk is drunk to quench thirst and stabilize sweating. It also reduces appetite, and the substances contained in the ingredients help to quickly saturate the body and eliminate toxins. The drink starts the work of the gastrointestinal tract and replaces a full snack. Of course, it is worth drinking without adding sugar.

With lemon

Tea with lemon - a drink number 1 for colds, SARS and flu. Both components contain vitamin C, which is necessary for these diseases. Their combination will be able in the shortest possible time to strengthen the immune system and restore the body during and after the disease. Lemon doubles the effect of antioxidants.

In winter, it can be drunk to prevent diseases and increase the amount of ascorbic acid in the body. During use, blood vessels strengthen and blood thinners, which reduces the risk of blood clots.

With ginger

Ginger is a healthy hot spice. It is very important to use it in the winter, as it warms and retains heat in the body for a long time. But tea with ginger is famous for drinking it for quick weight loss. Interacting with each other, the components of the products accelerate the metabolism and promote the breakdown of fat.They reduce appetite and cause a prolonged feeling of satiety. In the morning, the drink awakens the brain, so it is necessary with constant work associated with mental activity. If you add rosehip berries to it, it will become the best tool for the treatment of gynecological diseases of women. For men, this is a good way to maintain potency.

With mint

Mint, as an additive to tea, is indicated for people who have problems with the work of the cardiovascular system. It has a calming effect and also reduces the level of caffeine in tea. That is why it is suitable for the treatment of insomnia and irritability.

Peppermint tea is also useful for women who are tormented by pain during menstruation. It will relieve an unpleasant syndrome, normalize discharge, restore the cycle and reduce chest pain.

With bergamot

Bergamot is a plant that belongs to the genus citrus. It is saturated with vitamin C, has a specific smell and is the most popular impregnation of tea leaves. The most famous bergamot drink is Earl Gray, which in England is No. 1 tea.

It is with this supplement that tea is used in cosmetology. It cleanses the skin and saturates it with essential minerals, fights pigment spots and spider veins.

Bergamot ethereal leaves are also added to baking.

With thyme

Thyme is the oldest tea supplement. It began to be used in ancient Egypt. They believed that it was she who helps to win the battles, contributes to the rapid recovery after receiving wounds and their quick healing.

Doctors prescribe tea with thyme as an additional treatment for cystitis, as well as in the presence of sand in the kidneys. It helps with diseases of the throat and respiratory system of the body as a whole.

Harm and contraindications

Despite all the beneficial qualities of tea, it is necessary to know about contraindications that limit some categories of people in drinking.

1. Pregnancy and lactation. During this period, the woman first of all thinks about the health of the child, and strong tea leaves with a lot of caffeine can harm the baby. It can excite the nervous system, and also affects the weight loss of the baby. In the first trimester, you need to exclude tea from the diet altogether or drink it with the addition of diluted milk.
2. Atherosclerosis. Caffeine brings the brain into a state of excitement, which leads to a narrowing of blood vessels and ultimately leads to the formation of blood clots.
3. Heat. Theophylline, which is part of the plant, is a strong diuretic, which reduces the effect of drugs. Therefore, when taking pills, you must check with your doctor about the possibility of including black tea in your diet.
4. Glaucoma. Caffeine increases intraocular pressure, thereby exacerbating the problem. Suffering disease is recommended to exclude tea from the diet.

How to choose and store tea

1. When choosing tea, you need to give preference to large-leaf varieties.
2. The packaged version is suitable for cosmetic purposes, but for the body does not bear any benefit.
3. When buying by weight, you need to pay attention to the integrity of the sheet. It is important that it does not crumble.
4. Real Ceylon tea always has a stamp with a lion.
5. Black tea cannot be Japanese. In Japan, only green is produced.

Tea needs to be stored:

1. In a dark place - direct sunlight contributes to the occurrence of chemical reactions in the leaves, after which useful properties are lost.
2. In a clean, dry container. The best option would be a clear glass jar with a vacuum lid.
3. Far from products with a pungent odor - the plant is able to absorb extraneous odors.

How to brew black tea

In the East, tea ceremonies are an art form.A full-fledged procedure lasts up to 1.5 hours, and training from masters will cost several hundred dollars.

In order to brew a drink correctly at home, you need to complete several steps and adhere to the rules:

1. Prepare a ceramic teapot. Such material retains heat for a long time and is suitable for brewing all varieties.
2. Pour boiling water over the kettle before brewing and pour tea leaves into it. This will warm the dishes, and also help the leaves wake up. Let stand for a minute.
3. Pour in hot water. Ideally, the water temperature should not exceed 60 ° C, otherwise the enzymes will simply become useless.
4. After this, drain the first water.
5. Pour finally opened leaves with hot water.
6. Close and let it brew for at least 3 minutes. During this time, harmful components evaporate. After that, the tea is ready to drink.

How to drink black tea

Everyone has a habit of drinking tea several times a day. Some nations cannot imagine an hour without an invigorating drink. But, as you know, in addition to benefits, it is able to harm the body. Therefore, in use it is worth following a few rules, as well as listening to your body.

How much can I drink per day

If there are no contraindications and diseases, it is permissible for the body to drink up to 3 cups a day of strong tea. When diluting it with milk or adding other components - this amount increases to 5-6 receptions per day. Such use will saturate the organs with vitamins, but will not have a negative effect on the nervous system.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

It is not recommended to start and end the day with a drink in its pure form. In the morning, the acids contained in the leaves can provoke the appearance of pain in the stomach. And after 19 hours, the drink often causes headaches and unstable sleep.

But tea with milk or honey on an empty stomach will help start the stomach, and with mint before bedtime it will relieve insomnia.

Is it possible to mix green and black tea

In some cases, it is thanks to the mixing procedure of leaves that have passed fermentation and without it that blends are achieved for a better taste. Such a mixture can increase the amount of vitamins and enzymes. They will help each other to discover the best sides of taste, shading them.

Is it possible to drink yesterday's tea

In China and Japan they say that such tea is worse than a snakebite due to the fact that over time it not only disappears useful properties, but also produces poisons. After a day, all useful substances disappear. Water becomes an ideal environment for the occurrence of fungus and mold.

The same applies to re-brewing. The benefits of such manipulation are reduced to a minimum. Therefore, if you want to enjoy and vitamins, tea must be brewed each time anew.

Which tea is healthier: hot or cold

Chinese scientists have been researching this subject for several centuries. Despite the fact that in the heat you want to drink cold drinks, since it seems that they will be able to quench your thirst and cool the body, this is not entirely true. It is in the hot state that the antioxidants that are in the tea come to a state where they bring the greatest benefit to the body. With the addition of a slice of lemon or its juice, they work longer and better. Therefore, even in the hottest time of the year, it is better to drink hot tea for the benefit and lower body temperature.

But it is worth remembering that very hot tea can burn the throat and esophagus, which contributes to the occurrence of carcinoma. Therefore, the temperature of the drink should not exceed 55 ° C.

Interesting facts about black tea

1. An interesting legend is known in China that tea became known in 2737 BC. thanks to emperor Shen-nun.He was a healer and, in search of herbs, accidentally dropped several leaves of a plant into hot water. Having tried it, he felt cheerful and was surprised by the taste of the drink. After this incident, tea became popular in all provinces of China.
2. The collection and sorting of leaves is always done manually. When trying to use the combine, the leaves were mixed with stems and shoots, which is unacceptable for real tea. That is why they refused to automate the collection.
3. Until the nineteenth century, China was the only exporter of black tea to Europe.
4. December 15 is International Tea Day.
5. In Tibet, the addition of tea leaves to soups and salads is common.
6. In China, black tea is called red.
7. Until the beginning of the 19th century, tea was a currency in Siberia; it was paid in the markets.
8. Chinese camellia, from the leaves of which tea is made, is an evergreen plant that lives for more than a century. It is also a symbol of family and long marriage, since the bush can not be replanted, and it gives fruit only in one place.
9. With toxicosis, nausea will relieve rinsing of the mouth with black tea.
10. Tea - salvation from tooth decay and the path to oral health. This is achieved due to the antibacterial properties of the plant - they reduce the number of harmful microbes.
11. Louis XIV was able to cure gout thanks to a decoction of tea leaves.

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