Black Tea is made through a process of fermentation and roasting. The polyphenols undergo enzymatic oxidation due to oxidase, reducing their content and thus diminishing their stimulating effect on the stomach. Black tea does not harm the stomach but instead can nourish it. Regular consumption of black tea with Sugar and milk can have anti-inflammatory effects, protect the gastric mucosa, and be effective in treating ulcers.
Benefits of Long-Term Consumption of Black Tea for the Stomach
Black tea is a “master” at nourishing the stomach. It has a warm nature and low polyphenol content, making it less stimulating to the gastric mucosa. This is the most beneficial tea for the stomach. People with gastric issues can benefit from long-term consumption, as well as those with cold constitutions or cold stomachs, as it provides protective effects.
For individuals with gastric problems, drinking black tea can have certain benefits. As a Fermented tea, black tea helps regulate qi and soothe the stomach while also having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The fermentation process transforms some chemical substances, reducing irritation to the digestive tract and increasing warmth, greatly enhancing its ability to nourish and soothe the stomach. It can improve symptoms of gastritis such as stomach pain, poor digestion, and loss of appetite caused by coldness in the spleen and stomach.
Patients with gastritis can drink a cup of black tea daily, which can significantly help improve their condition. However, it should be noted that black tea should not be consumed cold, as this can affect its warming effect on the stomach and may reduce nutritional value due to prolonged storage. Adding milk to black tea can enhance its anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the gastric mucosa.
While black tea does have stomach-warming and nourishing effects, it is important not to overstate its benefits. Drinking black tea for a year will cure gastric issues is an inaccurate claim. Tea is not medicine and cannot cure any ailment on its own. Treating gastric problems requires dietary adjustments and the use of stomach-nourishing medications for treatment and management, followed by consistent consumption of black tea, which can help heal gastric issues more quickly.
Additionally, during periods of acute gastric issues, teas contain a higher amount of Caffeine, especially Pu'er and black teas. For people with excessive stomach acid or stomach ulcers, Drinking Tea can dilute gastric juices, hindering digestion and potentially causing acid reflux or exacerbating the condition. Therefore, caution should be exercised when consuming tea during flare-ups of gastric problems.