Black tea: calories, beneficial properties and contraindications

The history of tea began in the 2nd millennium BC. Today, no one on Earth does not indulge in a cup of the hot, invigorating drink. Preparing and making the product for consumption is a painstaking and interesting process, thanks to which mankind has the opportunity to try new varieties and types, as well as to enrich their bodies with useful vitamins.

Black tea production technology

In order to obtain ready-to-drink black tea, the leaves must be subjected to four mandatory technological processes:

1. Withering - reducing the amount of moisture in the leaf. In hot countries this process takes place in the plantation. In countries with colder climates, special machines are used for this process. The main reason for this is the mandatory maintenance of the temperature of 24-26 ° C.
2. The twisting is an important stage, and the strength of the drink depends on it. The stronger is the twisting, the stronger is the drink. This is done by special rollers and STS machines.
3. Fermentation is the main process for obtaining black tea. This is when chemical reactions take place, as a result of which the leaves acquire a characteristic dark color and a bitterish rich taste.
4. Drying is the end of fermentation and complete removal of moisture from the leaves.

Types and varieties

Of the dozens of species and varieties of black tea, three stand out by the highest volume of imports and consumption:

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

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

Indian
Cultivation and export began relatively recently - in the late 19th century. But because of the favorable climate, area and number of plantations, today it is the second largest seller of tea after China. The main species are:

1. Assam is a tea grown in the province of the same name in India. This variety has a rich flavor and is one of the strongest.
2. Darjeeling is one of the most expensive Indian teas. It has a sweet floral flavor.

Tea blends
Tea blends are blends of different varieties with the addition of fruits, berries, and plant oils. The most popular are:

1. Earl Grey - the most popular variety worldwide. The leaves are infused with bergamot essence.
2. English Breakfast is a blend of different varieties of black tea based on Kimun.

How black tea differs from green tea

Both black and green teas are made from the same plant, with the leaves being plucked at the same time. The only difference is that green tea leaves do not require a fermentation process. It is the absence of chemical processing that leaves the leaves green and without bitterness. Green tea is especially popular in Japan and China, and from there it began to spread to Europe. While in India, Kenya and Turkey preference is given to black varieties.

Which tea is healthier: black or green?

The debate about what kind of tea is healthier has been going on for centuries. And scientists have not yet been able to come to a single conclusion. Both kinds are useful, each in its own way, and both have a beneficial effect on human health and nervous system.

For example, green tea, which has not gone through chemical processing, retains more vitamins and minerals in its composition. It calms the nervous system, prevents the appearance of thyroid diseases, removes toxins and is indispensable for viral diseases. It retains more antioxidants that promote long life.

On the other hand, black tea helps with low blood pressure and thinning of the walls of blood vessels. It cleanses the lungs, reduces the risk of strokes and acts as a major protector of the liver. Through fermentation, the beneficial substances are activated more strongly.

Is there caffeine in black tea?

Caffeine is a well-known nervous system stimulant, invigorating element that has a positive effect on mental activity and improves physical condition. But along with its positive characteristics, it has many contraindications. This dilation of blood vessels, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations. It causes rapid addiction, which is aggravated by the fact that the abrupt refusal and cessation of use leads to stress for the body. The mood worsens, you feel tired and sleepy all the time. Therefore, the amount of consumed stimulant needs to be constantly monitored.

For example, about 65 mg of caffeine per cup of black tea of medium strength. At a daily norm of 200 ml, you can drink 3 cups of tea, not only without damaging your health, but also to improve the efficiency of internal organs and the brain. Moreover, the caffeine in tea is not as aggressive as in coffee.

Composition and calories

The main component of black tea is an alkaloid, namely caffeine, its content is 4%. It also contains many organic substances such as zinc, fluorine, potassium, iron, iodine and calcium, which contribute to the proper 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 - has a positive effect on the nervous system, helps with skin and hair problems;
• PP - fights allergic reactions;
• A - improves eyesight;
• P - good for blood vessels;
• D - restores bone tissue.

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

What is the usefulness of black tea

Treatises are written about the benefits of strong drink for the body. Thanks to the large amount of vitamins, amino acids and essential oils with its help it is possible, if not to get rid of at all, then to reduce the risks of diseases, as well as to reduce the existing health problems.

For women

1. The carotene in its composition improves the endocrine system and prevents diseases of the sexual sphere.
2. Helps maintain healthy skin and hair.
3. Nicotinic acid helps in weight loss, and also helps speed recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.
4. Establishes the menstrual cycle, relieves recurrent pain.

For men

1. Black tea improves the function of the genitourinary system.
2. Reduces the risk of prostatitis.
3. Daily use prevents adenoma of the prostate gland.
4. Beneficial effect on the potency.

During pregnancy.

1. Black tea helps to combat toxemia, dizziness and headaches.
2. It improves kidney and intestinal function, which is necessary during pregnancy.
3. The high concentration of vitamins has a favorable effect on the formation and development of the fetus, it saturates it with useful enzymes.

During breastfeeding

During lactation, a woman should include black tea of weak brew, preferably with milk, in her diet. Enzymes accelerate the repair process in the mammary glands, so while drinking the drink, the amount of milk in a woman increases, it is saturated with vitamins and amino acids, which go to the baby, which has a favorable effect on its development. Healthy sleeping baby will contribute to the antioxidants, which are included in large quantities in the leaves, which have undergone chemical processing.

But they should not be abused. Any product is useful only in moderation, in all you need to observe moderation. And 3-4 cups of weakly brewed tea will be enough for both mother and child. Otherwise, it can excite the child's nervous system and deprive him of sleep.

For children

Of course, children under 3 years of age are not recommended to include tea in the regular diet. But from a cup of diluted warm tea with milk, lemon or honey, besides the benefits, there will be nothing bad.

The growing body needs to be fed with vitamins every day, and to replenish the energy quickly squandered. Vitamin drink will help in this better than other means. But do not forget that caffeine excites the nervous system, so it is not recommended to give a child tea at night.

Can you drink black tea when losing weight?

For a long time, nutritionists have claimed that green tea is more effective for weight loss than black tea. But in 2005, American scientists proved that fermented teas are more conducive to losing extra pounds and speeding up the digestion of carbohydrates. Black tea speeds up the metabolic process and triggers the stomach and intestines. Therefore, when following a diet to lose extra pounds, you should include 3-4 cups of tea a day in your diet.

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

1. Pour a tablespoon of black tea overnight with 500 ml of boiling milk. Infuse it until morning in a thermos. All the next day drink it instead of meals. On such a discharge day, hunger is not felt. There is no possibility of loss of consciousness, because 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 is able to reduce appetite. That's why when consuming it with food, you can easily halve the portion.
3. Add 2 spoons of cinnamon to the brewed tea. Wrap in a warm blanket and let infuse for several hours. Drink as normal tea. Such an infusion will speed up bowel function and reduce the deposition of fat.

Black tea has miraculous properties that help to eliminate toxins from the body, it adjusts the work of the stomach, fights ulcers and gastritis. Because of this, it is ideal for fighting excess weight without harming the body.

Black Tea in Medicine

The use of this product in folk medicine began many centuries ago. And tea with raspberries or honey is familiar to everyone since childhood. The hot beverage strengthens the immune system and restores the body after exhaustion by illness. Relaxing the nervous system, it relieves headaches, calms and increases the flow of oxygen to the blood and brain.

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

For diabetes.

The polyphenols in the brew, when consumed, control the amount of sugar in the blood and break down the excess. Thus they prevent cell damage and the transition of related diseases into chronic ones. Of course, it can not replace professional treatment and the use of synthetic drugs, but at some stages will help to reduce the risk of worsening the disease, as well as restore normal blood sugar levels.

In pancreatitis.

In this disease, it is better to consume puerh. It is the kind that can normalize the function of the pancreas. Two cups a day will reduce inflammation and pain and is a great addition to the main treatment.

Gastritis

Because of the irregular eating schedule and the abuse of snacks, gastritis has come to the forefront of diseases of the modern world. To combat the ailment, any variety is suitable. The only advice of physicians: the addition of milk and the amount of brew per cup of water should not exceed a tablespoon.

For constipation

Black tea is the best fortifying agent, so a strong drink should be excluded when the problem occurs. But the variety Earl Grey warm with honey at night can eliminate constipation. This combination makes the intestinal muscles work, which helps ease defecation.

In case of gout.

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

At poisoning.

Dry leaves of the evergreen shrub remove poisonous substances from the blood in the shortest possible time. They stabilize the salt balance. Strong tea with lemon and sugar will normalize the stomach, improve intestinal function, remove toxins and normalize the water environment.

Does black tea raise or lower your blood pressure?

Since tea leaves are saturated with alkaloids, which include theobromine, xanthine and paraxanthine in large quantities, they can regulate low blood pressure in several steps.

So, during the first stage of exposure they increase the pressure and cause the effect of excitement, improve mood and fill with energy. After that, the body gets used to the presence of pathogens in the blood, and their action stabilizes. At the same time, they keep the decreased blood pressure at a normal level. By saturating the blood with micronutrients, over time they help to get rid of the problem.

Unfortunately, the drink is strictly forbidden to people with high blood pressure or high levels of aggression. Strong brew 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, pour warm water over the leaves before the main brew and leave it for 5 minutes. This will be enough to reduce the level of stimulant. After that, you need to drain the liquid and pour boiling water over the brew. Such manipulation will safeguard against the harmful effects of tea on the body.

Black tea in cosmetology

Women have always sought to take the most useful of the natural means at hand to preserve their beauty. And tea sometimes helps better than expensive remedies. The vitamins in the plant can have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair, not only from the inside, but also when used as masks, toners and rinses.

They are suitable for all types of skin and hair, will help get rid of acne, redness, itching, as well as adjust the sebaceous glands and remove dandruff. These products have no contraindications and easy to use.

For face

1. Pour two tablespoons of dry brew in boiling water. Allow to infuse for several hours, then strain from the leaves and wipe the face twice a day in the morning and evening. This is necessary to flush out accumulated toxins in the skin. The pores very quickly absorb all the harmful substances that are in the polluted air. Vitamins will nourish the skin, improve its condition and color.
2. Tea with honey will save you from swollen eyes. To do this, stir a spoon of honey in warm water and put 2 tea bags in it. Allow to infuse for a few minutes, squeeze and put on the eyes. This will not only reduce puffiness, but also get rid of black circles.
3. In equal proportions, you need to mix oatmeal, black tea and honey. Stir it, put it on gauze and put it on your face. Such a lifting mask will invigorate and tighten the skin, with constant use will reduce the number of expression lines.
4. Put a small spoonful of black tea in 2 tablespoons of oily sour cream. Leave it on the face for 10 minutes. Such a procedure is a salvation for dry skin, especially in the period of avitaminosis. The skin becomes velvety afterwards and stops peeling.
5. Mix crushed leaves with olive oil. Massage your face with this mixture. This will nourish the skin and make it glow from the inside.

For hair

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

It is worth remembering that black tea-based hair treatments are not suitable for blondes.

The benefits of black tea with various additives

A lot has been said about the positive effects of tea, and its benefits for 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 can not tolerate in its pure form, but willingly drink it as part of the tea. This drink is useful for gastritis, as well as for people who can't digest solid foods. It helps to break down the food and soften it in the stomach.

This option is indispensable in the postoperative period, in immunodeficiency, kidney and liver diseases, it 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 contribute to the rapid saturation of the body and the removal of toxins. The drink triggers the gastrointestinal tract and replaces a complete snack. Of course, it should be drunk without added sugar.

With lemon

Tea with lemon is the No. 1 drink for colds, SARS and flu. Both components contain vitamin C, which is essential for these diseases. Their combination will be able in the shortest time to strengthen the immune system and restore the body during and after the illness. Lemon doubly enhances the effect of antioxidants.

In winter, you can drink it to prevent disease and increase the amount of ascorbic acid in the body. During use, it strengthens blood vessels and thinning the blood, which reduces the risk of blood clots.

With Ginger

Ginger is a healthy spicy spice. It is very important to consume it in winter, because it warms and keeps the body warm for a long time. But what makes ginger tea famous is that it is drunk for quick weight loss. By interacting with each other, the components of the products speed up the metabolism and contribute to the breakdown of fat. They reduce appetite and cause a prolonged feeling of fullness. In the morning, the drink awakens the brain, so it is necessary for constant work associated with mental activity. If you add rosehip berries to it, it becomes the best remedy for gynecological diseases of women. For men, it is not a bad remedy to maintain potency.

With mint

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

Also mint-tea decoction is useful for women who are tormented by pain during menstruation. It will relieve the unpleasant syndrome, normalize the discharge, restore the cycle and reduce pain in the breasts.

With bergamot

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

It is with this additive that tea is used in cosmetology. It cleanses the skin and saturates it with essential minerals, fights pigment spots and vascular stars.

And bergamot essential leaves are also added to baked goods.

Thyme.

Thyme is the most ancient tea additive. It began to be used in ancient Egypt. It was believed there that it helped win battles, promoted quick recovery from wounds, and healed quickly.

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

Harms and contraindications

Despite all the useful qualities of tea, it is necessary to be aware of the contraindications that limit certain categories of people in the use of the drink.

1. Pregnancy and lactation period. During this period, a woman primarily thinks about the child's health, and a strong brew with a lot of caffeine can harm the baby. It can excite the nervous system, and also affects the baby's weight loss. In the first trimester you should exclude tea from your diet altogether or drink it with the addition of milk in diluted form.
2. Atherosclerosis. Caffeine causes the brain to become agitated, which leads to vasoconstriction and eventually leads to blood clots.
3. High fever. Theophylline, which is part of the plant, is a strong diuretic, which reduces the effect of the drugs. Therefore, when taking pills, it is necessary to check with your doctor about the possibility of including black tea in the diet.
4. Glaucoma. Caffeine increases intraocular pressure, thereby aggravating the problem. Those suffering from the disease are recommended to exclude tea from their diet.

How to Choose and Store Tea

1. When choosing tea, preference should be given to large leaf varieties.
2. The bagged version is suitable for cosmetic purposes, but it has no benefit for the body.
3. If you buy tea by weight, you should pay attention to the solidity of the leaf. It is important that it does not crumble.
4. Genuine Ceylon tea is always stamped with a lion.
5. Black tea cannot be Japanese. Japan only produces green tea.

Tea should be stored:

1. In a dark place - direct sunlight promotes chemical reactions in the leaves, after which the beneficial properties are lost.
2. In a clean, dry container. The best option would be a clear glass jar with a vacuum lid.
3. Away from products with a caustic odor - the plant is capable of absorbing extraneous flavors.

How to brew black tea correctly

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

To brew the drink correctly at home, you need to take several steps and adhere to the rules:

1. Prepare a ceramic teapot. This material retains heat for a long time and is suitable for brewing all varieties.
2. Before brewing, pour boiling water over the teapot and fill it with tea leaves. 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 hot water over the leaves once they have opened.
6. Cover and allow to stand for at least 3 minutes. During this time, the harmful components evaporate. After this, the tea is ready for consumption.

How to drink black tea correctly

Everyone has the habit of drinking tea several times throughout the day. Some nations can't imagine even an hour without the invigorating drink. But, as we know, in addition to its benefits, it can also cause harm to the body. Therefore, it is worth adhering to a few rules in the consumption, as well as to listen to your body.

How much you can drink per day

If there are no contraindications and diseases, it is acceptable to drink up to 3 cups a day of strong tea with benefits for the body. If you dilute it with milk or add other ingredients - this amount is increased to 5-6 intakes per day. Such consumption 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 the 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 to activate the stomach, and with mint before going to bed will get rid of insomnia.

Can I mix green and black tea?

In some cases, it's the procedure of blending fermented and unfermented leaves that results in blends for better flavor. Such a mixture can increase the amount of vitamins and enzymes. They will help each other to discover the best sides of the flavor, shading them.

Can you drink yesterday's tea?

In China and Japan, they say that such tea is worse than snake bite due to the fact that with the passage of time it not only loses its useful properties, but also produces poisons. After a day, all the beneficial substances disappear. The water becomes an ideal environment for the emergence of fungus and mold.

The same applies to repeated brewing. The benefit of such manipulation is reduced to a minimum. That's why, if you want to enjoy and get vitamins, it is necessary to brew tea anew each time.

What is healthier: hot or cold tea?

Chinese scientists have been researching this topic for centuries. Despite the fact that in hot weather we want to drink cold drinks, because it seems that they can quench our thirst and cool down the body, this is not quite true. It is in the hot state that the antioxidants in the tea come to the point where they do the most good for 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 tea hot to benefit and reduce the body temperature.

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

Interesting Facts about Black Tea

1. In China, there is an interesting legend that tea became known in 2737 BC thanks to Emperor Shen-nun. He was a healer and in his search for herbs, he accidentally dropped some leaves of the plant into the hot water. After tasting it, he felt invigorated and was surprised by the taste of the drink. After this incident, tea became popular in all provinces of China.
2. The harvesting and sorting of the leaves is always done by hand. When attempting to use a harvester, the leaves were mixed in with the stems and shoots, which is unacceptable for real tea. That is why the automation of harvesting was abandoned.
3. Until the 19th century, China was the only exporter of black tea to Europe.
4. December 15 is the International Day of Tea.
5. In Tibet, it is common to add tea leaves to soups and salads.
6. In China, black tea is called red tea.
7. Until the beginning of the 19th century, tea was currency in Siberia and was paid for in the markets.
8. Camellia chinensis, 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, as the bush cannot be transplanted, and it only bears fruit in one place.
9. For toxicosis, gargling with black tea will get rid of nausea.
10. Tea is the salvation from tooth decay and the way to oral health. This is achieved through the plant's antibacterial properties - 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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