Buying Guide for Black Tea
There are various Asian languages that translate black tea as red tea, and black tea is more oxidized than oolong, white, yellow, and green tea. Black tea has a stronger taste than other teas. Camellia sinensis is the shrub whose leaves are used to make all five types of tea.
Camellia sinensis has many stimulant and antioxidant properties, it contains caffeine. A process called oxidation turns the leaves from green to a dark brownish-black color. Oxidation means the leaves are exposed to moist, oxygen-rich air.
Benefits of Black Tea
Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are known to provide a host of health benefits. Consuming them can help remove free radicals and decrease cell damage in the body. This ultimately may help decrease the risk of chronic disease. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in certain foods and beverages, including black tea. Groups of polyphenols, including catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins, are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea and may promote overall health.
Boost Heart Health
Black tea contains another group of antioxidants called flavonoids, which benefit heart health. Along with tea, flavonoids can be found in vegetables, fruits, red wine and dark chocolate. Consuming them on a regular basis may help reduce many risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels and obesity. One randomized controlled study found that drinking black tea for 12 weeks significantly decreased triglyceride values by 36%, reduced blood sugar levels by 18% and lowered the LDL/HDL plasma ratio by 17%.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Consuming black tea may help reduce LDL cholesterol. One randomized study found that drinking five servings of black tea per day reduced LDL cholesterol by 11% in individuals with slightly or mildly elevated cholesterol levels
Help Reduce Blood Pressure
The consumption of black tea decreased SBP and DBP by 3.2 mmHg and 2.6 mmHg, respectively, and prevented blood pressure rises after consuming fat. In conclusion, black tea consumption may provide cardiovascular protection through regular consumption.
Factors to Consider Before Buying of Black Tea
Research About the Tea
Before making a purchase, it is very important to do a little bit of research regarding the type of tea that one wishes to purchase. There are so many varieties available in the market and having a fair idea of what one exactly wants can be beneficial. Knowing things like what the leaves should look like, the colour they should have or the aroma a particular kind of black tea must have, ensures that the chances of getting misguided are less. Know all about the black tea.
Its Freshness
It goes without saying that tea should always be consumed fresh; else the essence will be lost. A tea that has been recently produced will have a distinct fragrance along with a full bloom and bright appearance. Once brewed, the liquor must be clear, glossy as well as full of flavour – that is the definition of a good tea. Know how to make better tea.
Mixed Tips Along with Leaves
Most of the teas that are of high quality will have sufficient golden or taupe tips mixed with the tea leaves. Such kind of teas, known as tippy teas, come with a richer flavour compared to non-tippy teas. This is due to the fact that the largest number of aromatic compounds are stored in the tips of the tea leaves.
Aroma
Just like the taste, the aroma of a tea is also very important. And by the aroma, it does not mean only when the tea is steeped. Good quality tea leaves will have a distinct aroma even when they are dry. Black tea must have a sweet and floral fragrance, and this aroma will linger if the leaves are fresh enough.
Conclusion
It is always recommended to buy tea in small quantities and replace them regularly, whether it is black tea or any other type. Buying a large amount of tea and storing it is not a good idea, as the flavor might run flat and one will no longer be able to enjoy fresh tea. Here are some health benefits of black tea.
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