Some people don’t need to drink black tea to wake up with a jolt, energetic and ready for the day out of the gate with no need for extra pep in their step.
For the rest of us, thank goodness there’s no shortage of caffeinated beverages to help us shake off the sleep in the morning.
But did you know that drinking a cup of a black tea early in the morning can prevent infections and boost your immunity? Here are a few reasons why replacing that morning cuppa with black tea is a healthy idea!
1. Acts as natural sunscreen
Black tea is rich in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which acts as a natural sunscreen. The topical application of moistened black tea bags not only protects the skin from the harmful UV rays but also repairs skin damage and prevents chemical as well as radiation-induced skin cancer.
2. Provides relief from sunburn
Did you know that applying cooled (refrigerated) tea bags to the skin provides effective relief from the sunburn? The soothing effect is due to the tannic acid and theobromine in tea that soothes the skin and helps in quick recovery.
3. Exerts anti-ageing effects
Drink at least two cups of freshly brewed black tea every day to prevent premature ageing. The presence of antioxidants decreases skin inflammation and also flushes out the harmful free radicals, compounds that inhibit oxidation from the topmost layers of the skin.
4. Helps in controlling excessive sweating
If you suffer from excessive sweating or body odour, drinking black tea might help. It is because black tea contains tannins which have antimicrobial properties that reduce bacterial load. Moreover, it also causes the surface proteins to precipitate, thereby preventing the opening of sweat ducts and reducing sweating locally.
5. Prevents cardiovascular disease
A 2007 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that intake of 3 cups or more per day showed a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The heart-healthy effect is due to the antioxidant action of polyphenols present in black tea.
6. Boosts your immunity
As black tea is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds, it helps in improving your immunity and also lowers your risk of infections [5]. To reap the maximum benefits, prepare an infusion with water at 90 degrees C for up to 2 minutes and without adding milk.
7. Lowers your risk of cancer
Drinking green tea not only reduces your risk of cancer but also inhibits the survival rate of cancerous cells [6]. This is because black tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) and other polyphenols, which are chemoprotective in nature.
