9 Surprising Black Tea Benefits Backed by Science

Black tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions of people every day. While many people drink black tea for its rich flavor and aroma, it has also been linked to various health benefits.

In this article, we'll look closer at nine benefits of black tea backed by science.

1. Heart Health

Studies have shown that drinking black tea may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation in the body.

Some studies looked at the effects of drinking tea on blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. They found that regular tea intake helped lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and people with hypertension. Those who drank tea regularly for over three months experienced even more significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Another study shows that drinking black tea significantly reduces LDL cholesterol. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is a bad lipoprotein that transports cholesterol to cells throughout the body. Too much LDL can lead to health problems like heart failure or stroke.

Also, a 2010 study found that people who drank at least three cups of tea per week had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke than those who didn't. The study also found that black tea may be particularly beneficial for people with high blood pressure.

2. Digestive Health

Black tea may also have benefits for digestive health. Some research suggests that drinking black tea may help to improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

A 2019 study, "Tea Compounds and the Gut Microbiome," published in Nutrients, found that drinking black tea may help reduce gut inflammation and improve gut barrier function. The study also found that black tea may help to increase the abundance of certain beneficial gut bacteria.

Shop Korean Black Tea

3. Brain Function

Studies have shown that the caffeine and other compounds in black tea may help to improve alertness, focus, and cognitive performance.

One small study investigated the effect of black tea on cognitive performance. They were then given tests of executive function, sustained attention, memory, and mathematical calculations. Those who drank the black tea performed significantly faster on cognitive tasks, had improved memory and made fewer errors.

It proves black tea is a great beverage if you want to improve energy and focus without a lot of caffeine.

4. Cancer Prevention

Some studies have suggested that drinking black tea may help to prevent certain types of cancer. One study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that people who drank at least three cups of black tea daily had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who drank less.

Another study found that women who drank black tea had a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than those who didn't.

5. Stress Relief

Like other types of tea, black tea also has an amino acid called L-theanine. The caffeine in black tea can help to improve mood and alertness, while the amino acid L-theanine may help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

A 2007 study published in Psychopharmacology found that drinking black tea helped reduce stress and improve mood in people experiencing stressful situations.

5. Diabetes Prevention

Some studies suggest that drinking black tea may help lower your blood sugar and prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.

A study looked at the effect of drinking black tea on blood sugar levels after consuming a high-sugar beverage. They also studied the effects of consuming black tea on insulin response in men with obesity and insulin resistance. People who drank the low- or high-dose of black tea had significantly lower postprandial blood sugar compared to those who drank a placebo. Those who consumed the black tea and the glucose had about 29% lower insulin response than those who drank water.

A 2017 study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that black tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes as it improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Thus, black tea is a non-sweetened beverage that may help improve the use of insulin and reduce blood sugar.

Shop Korean Black Tea

6. Bone Health

Black tea may also have benefits for bone health. A 2018 study found that drinking black tea helped improve bone density in rats. While more research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to humans, the study suggests that black tea may have the potential as a natural way to support bone health.

7. Weight Management

Drinking black tea may also benefit weight management. Some studies have suggested that the compounds in black tea may help reduce appetite and increase metabolism, potentially leading to weight loss. For example, a 2018 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that drinking black tea helped to reduce body weight and body fat in overweight and obese adults.

8. Immune System Support

The antioxidants and other compounds in black tea may help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections by promoting good bacteria growth and hindering bad bacteria growth.

A 2014 study found that black tea consumption influenced biomarkers of immune system activation. Data suggests that the net effect strongly depends on the individual's immune state, being immune stimulatory in healthy individuals while acting more immune dampening in situations with an inflammatory background.

9. Anti-Aging Properties

Black tea contains powerful antioxidants that may help slow down the aging process. These antioxidants, known as polyphenols, help to protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to the development of age-related diseases.

A 2022 study published in Human Nutrition & Metabolism found that drinking black tea may help reduce the oxidative stress contributing to aging. The study found that black tea reduced levels of a type of free radical called superoxide, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to age-related diseases.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that drinking black tea improved markers of antioxidant activity in the body. The study found that black tea increased antioxidants in the blood and improved the body's ability to scavenge free radicals.

In addition, some research has shown that black tea may help to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Try our Korean Black Tea Today

While more research is needed to understand the potential benefits of black tea fully, scientific evidence suggests that this popular beverage may have a range of health-promoting properties. From supporting heart health to promoting relaxation and reducing stress, black tea is a versatile beverage with much to offer.

If you are searching for a new black tea, I highly recommend our Boseong Korean Black Tea. With its complex and aromatic deep chocolate and fruit notes with a long-lasting finish, this tea will quickly become your favorite black tea.

Shop Korean Black Tea