Black tea is beneficial and harmful to the human body: what is useful and harmful

The history of this drink is extremely long and multifaceted. There is no one who doesn't know what it is.

Some people like it pure, others prefer to dilute it with milk or cream, and still others add sweeteners.

Let's see why strong black tea without sugar is good, what benefits and harm it brings to the human body, men and women, and for what reason it has become popular all over the world.

Manufacturing Technology

Some believe that in order to get a fresh and pleasant drink, it is enough just to tear the tea leaves from the bush, dry and can be brewed. However, everything is not so simple, and raw materials are prepared until they hit store shelves, and then into the homes of its passionate lovers.

The process is conventionally divided into several stages:

• Collection. Ads often show women with large baskets hand-picking a few top leaves. Many people think that such methods have long sunk into oblivion, but even on large plantations these days, many works are carried out without the use of new equipment. The machine is unlikely to be able to qualitatively separate ripe and ready from still unripe, dry, often cars capture shoots, garbage. The collector's production rate is 30-35 kilograms of leaf per day, and four kg of freshly torn leaves are required to prepare one unit of dry product.
• Withering. In the vast majority of countries, this stage is carried out immediately. The raw materials are dumped into small heaps, after which they simply stand for a little time, tossing and turning. The required temperature is 24-27 & deg; C, so in some regions tea is taken to special rooms, like hangars. The purpose of manipulation is to lose moisture up to 45-60%.
• Fermentation. It is thanks to this chemical reaction that the very dark aromatic drink that is familiar to each of us is obtained. In fact, this is oxidation, with the help of which the starch in the composition turns into sugar.
• Drying. When the leaves acquire a certain color, smell and astringency, they are sent for final drying in order to completely complete the previous reaction, and at the same time get rid of the moisture remaining in them. It is customary to do this forcibly at fairly high temperatures up to 92-96 & deg; C.

 

Types and varieties

When figuring out whether strong black tea without sugar is useful or not, what is harmful to the human body, men and women, do not forget about the variety that the modern market offers.

We can single out the main manufacturers that are leading in terms of production in the world: India, Sri Lanka, China, Kenya, Vietnam.

Indian tea

In the vastness of this country, growing bushes for industrial production began relatively recently, just at the end of the 19th century.

However, conditions, both weather and climate, turned out to be so favorable that the country in just a hundred years almost caught up with the world leader, which will be a little lower.

There are two popular options:

• Darjeeling . This tea is called & laquo; tea champagne & raquo;. The most expensive, with a slightly sweet taste.
• Ассам. Named after the eponymous area, it is the most popular drink - strong, rich.

Chinese Tea

The world's premier tea supplier & ndash; this is the Celestial Empire, but this statement is not typical for black tea (or rather & laquo; red & raquo; according to Chinese classification). China ranks 4th in 2019 in the supply of black tea to Russia.

However, it is China that has the greatest variety of black tea varieties, due to the vast experience and peculiarities of tea production in each province.

The most famous varieties of black Chinese tea are:

• The bounty of the gods. & nbsp; Elite tea from the upper leaves and buds twisted into a spiral shape gives shades of flowers and dried fruits in taste and aroma.
• Лапсан Сушонг. A very unusual option, which is called & laquo; smoked tea & raquo;.
• Дянь хун. One of the highest quality varieties, characterized by the predominance of golden buds in the composition.
• Pine Needles . The elongated shape of the cups will remind you of a walk in the forest, and the unique bright taste with fruit notes will be a pleasure.

& laquo; Russian Tea Company & raquo; offers to try different varieties and understand what is close to your taste. & nbsp;

Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka is better known to us by the name of the island - Ceylon and the beautiful Ceylon tea. This country has relatively recently begun to produce tea - only at the end of the 19th century, but at the moment it is the third in terms of the share of world production, accounting for 23% of total exports.

Due to the uniqueness of the relief and sharp differences in highlands and lowlands, black teas of different flavors are grown on the island.

The most popular among connoisseurs are alpine varieties grown in the regions Uva , Nuvara Eliya and Kandi . Delicate floral hues combined with elegant taste will be a delight. & nbsp;

But the plain teas of the region Ruhuna with highly mineralized soils give a bright rich tart taste of real black tea. & nbsp;

Kenyan

Tea gained popularity not so long ago & ndash; in the 20th century. But the drink of this African country deserves attention! & nbsp;

Unique volcanic soils saturate the tea leaf with incomparable aroma and taste. In Kenya's black teas, you feel a touch of floweriness and vanilla undertones, although the tea is clean and has no side effects.

Teas with the addition of the abbreviation Sp (special tippy) made of the top leaf and delicate tea kidney deserve special attention.

Mixtures

This is the name of blends of different varieties with various additives in the form of essential oils, herbs, berries, fruits.

• English breakfast. Fragrant, composed of several flavors and flavors.
• Earl Gray. Best selling drink with bergamot oil.

How black tea differs from green tea

Before you figure out what, and most importantly & ndash; how black tea affects the human body, it is worth figuring out what its differences are.

They make it from the same leaves, grow and collect which together.

Just to make a lighter version, the fermentation process is skipped, so it remains light and has no mustard.

Which one is more useful

For several hundred years, people have been arguing about what is better to drink, which of the options is more useful.

Scientists have conducted many different experiments during this time, but have not been able to come to a single solution.

Each of them has its own characteristics, acts differently, and they are completely different in taste.

Green retains more minerals and vitamins because it does not undergo any chemical treatment.

It is full of antioxidants, so it inhibits the action of free radicals and prevents premature aging.

At the same time, the other helps well with problems with blood vessels, regulates blood pressure, protects the liver, reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, to understand which is more useful, Ivan tea, green or black, is like arguing what is needed in the kitchen, grater or rolling pin.

Caffeine content

This most famous legal stimulator of the nervous system is available in the drink in an amount of about 65 milligrams per medium cup. It has a beneficial effect on brain activity, clarifies thoughts, adds performance, improves motor functions.

There are a number of negative effects that cannot be discounted. Like a narcotic substance, it causes rapid addiction, and if refused, it begins to break down, the body is under severe stress.

Therefore, it is recommended to limit consumption to three standard mugs per day to minimize negativity.

Composition and caloric content

To understand whether drinking black tea is beneficial for the body, you must first understand its chemical components.

The main component is the alkaloid, which we mentioned above, its share is 4%, which is not so small, but there is a whole set of different components:

• Vitamins: C, A, B, E, P, PP, D and others.
• Minerals: calcium, iodine, potassium, fluorine, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese.
• Tannins, amino acids, antioxidants, and more.

The low energy value, with such a rich set, of only 2 kilocalories per 100 grams, as well as the complete absence of fats and proteins, make it indispensable for those who want to lose excess body weight.

It well quenches thirst and hunger, helps to fight painful urges, survive periods of intermittent fasting.

Benefits: Effects of black tea on the human body

For women

The fair sex pays more attention to their appearance, and then drinking will be a real godsend.

• Keeps skin, hair, and nails healthy and strong.
• Prevents diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Accelerates the production of endocrine hormones.
• Allows you to bounce back faster after carrying and having a baby.
• Promotes weight loss.
• Eliminates menstrual pain, builds a proper and regular cycle.

For men

• Prevents prostatitis and adenoma.
• Does not allow urinary and sexual diseases to progress.
• It has a beneficial effect on potency, increases libido and level of attraction.

Pregnancy

• Improves kidney function, stimulates digestion, which allows you to better eliminate toxins.
• Relieves headaches, toxicosis symptoms, dizziness, nausea.
• Promotes fetal development.

Breastfeeding

It is recommended during this period to prepare the most useful black tea with milk, which also accelerates the secretion of breast, so necessary for the child.

The brew should not be strong, and the varieties should not be selected excessively & laquo; vigorous & raquo;.

To prevent mom and child from experiencing overexcitation and insomnia as a result, you should limit yourself to 1-2 circles.

For kids

It is not recommended to give a drink regularly for up to 3 years, it is only permissible to treat your baby occasionally.

Health effects

Many people wonder how black tea can affect human health and during what periods, this should be dealt with.

Can I drink while losing weight

Due to the record number of suitable substances and extremely low energy value, such a sugar-free drink will be ideal for weight loss.

Increases or decreases pressure

When it is said to regulate BP, it refers precisely to the process of slow, constant alignment, from low to normal. Therefore, it is not recommended for hypertensive patients, especially in doses above 1-2 cups per day. They can feel serious trouble as the leaves are full of alkaloids.

Cosmetology

Masks, decoctions, lotions and other similar beauty products are popular not only among women, but also among men. Thanks to its rich composition, it allows you to achieve a much more noticeable effect than even the most expensive industrial products.

The usefulness of black tea with various additives

This drink can be consumed with various supplements to make it even more useful.

With milk

Some do not tolerate it in its pure form, but they consume it with pleasure as part of drinking. It helps to absorb solid food, with gastritis, spurs digestion, simulates sweating, reduces thirst. It is prescribed to those who suffer from immunodeficiency, recover from surgery.

With lemon

Not a single cold, flu or SARS can withstand such a shock dose of different & laquo; usefulness & raquo; in general, and vitamin C in particular. It warms, strengthens protective systems, gives strength, and is simply incredibly tasty.

With ginger

The impact of this spicy spice is akin to the previous option. This combination is also recommended in the autumn-spring and winter periods, to strengthen immunity and prevent colds. In addition, it accelerates metabolic processes, so it is perfect for losing weight.

With mint

Great for people with cardiovascular problems. The herb reduces caffeine levels, so it is suitable as a remedy for insomnia and excessive nervousness.

With bergamot

This citrus with a special smell is akin to lemon in properties, and therefore their qualities are similar.

With thyme

The ancient Egyptians used such a filler, believing that it makes it possible to quickly heal wounds, raises morale, and gives strength.

By and large, all this is true, and besides, it is good for problems with the genitourinary and respiratory systems.

Black tea with thyme has not only a powerful aroma and indescribable taste, but also healing properties. & nbsp;

Standards

When choosing black tea in the store, you can often see the inscriptions on the packaging of OPA, OR and other names that characterize the degree of quality.

Let's take a look at this gradation. Grade Origin Story & ndash; a tribute to standardization that Europeans valued so much. For a long time they were the colonizers of almost all countries producing black tea.

For ease of quality division, two standards were introduced: Whole tea leaf or Broken. Each category is categorized based on quality.

For example, when tearing off a kidney leaf (type), the abbreviation T (Tippy) is added to the name of the grade.

Highlight whole-leaf grades:

• FOP. Tea of the highest category from delicate upper young leaves.
• GFOP (Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe). Improved FOP standard with golden & laquo; types & raquo; (tea buds).
• OPA (Orange Pekoe, categories & laquo; A & raquo;). There is a high level of aroma oils. It has large, uniform, twisted and long tea leaves, and the content of types is minimal.
• OP (Orange Pekoe). It is characterized by a fortress and large 2-3 leaves twisted along the axis.
• Pekoe. Tea consisting of medium-length leaves without tipsy content.
• Types. These are small buds that convey subtle taste and aroma. The more of them in tea, the higher its variety. TGFOP, FTGFOP.

Cut (broken) tea leaf includes categories:

• FBOP. The letter & laquo; B & raquo; here is an abbreviation of the word & laquo; Broken & raquo;, which characterizes leaflets as & laquo; cut & raquo;.
• BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe).
• GBOP (Golden Broken Orange Pekoe).
• TGBOP (Tippy Golden Broken Orange Pekoe).

How to brew correctly

There is nothing complicated in the procedure, although the ancient Chinese developed a whole ceremony for this with their rituals. The modern resident of the metropolis will hardly like them, and he will hardly have time for such an action. So let's keep it to a minimum:

• Pour boiling water over the kettle, preferably ceramic, to warm it up.
• Fill the brew at the rate of one teaspoon per mug.
• Pour hot water (not boiling water), cover with a lid, let it brew for 2-4 minutes.
• Enjoy a pleasant, invigorating drink.

How to drink

For black tea to do more good than harm, there are a few simple rules to follow.

How much tea can you drink per day

If you have absolutely no diseases that can become contraindications, then it is permissible to drink 3-4 large mugs, no more. With additives, do not increase the amount to 4-6.

Is it possible at night and on an empty stomach

This is not at all the best consumption option, it is optimal to have a snack in the morning and refuse at all in the evening so as not to get headaches and insomnia.

Mixture of green and black tea

Such mixes are becoming more and more popular today, as they combine the action of one and the other, which is not interrupted, but on the contrary, is enhanced.

Can I drink yesterday's tea

The Chinese believe that 20-30 minutes after brewing, tea turns into poison. It makes sense because a lot of the elements in it are being transformed. It is better to give up such dubious pleasure.

Which is the healthier hot or cold

Only in a well-heated state can drinking be as healing as possible, antioxidants then open up with might and main, enzymes work to the limit.

Let's summarize

Now the beneficial properties of black tea in human nutrition and contraindications, what benefits and harm that it brings to the body, have become clearer. You should use the drink wisely, then there will definitely not be any problems.