Black tea is named for its vibrant red hue. As the weather cools, brewing a cup of warm black tea not only brings a comforting warmth and mental solace but also offers numerous health benefits, captivating people worldwide. Let Tea Encyclopedia detail the advantages of drinking black tea.
01 Antiviral and Disinfectant
On October 6, 2016, scientists from the Shizuoka Environmental Health Science Institute in Japan confirmed that theaflavins in black tea have antiviral effects. They can disinfect norovirus and other human caliciviruses, potentially aiding in food poisoning prevention. The findings were published in a renowned international academic journal.
From 2011 to 2015, the institute collaborated with the Shizuoka Prefectural University Center for Drug Discovery to develop norovirus disinfectants. Theaflavins, produced during tea fermentation, were found to reduce norovirus infectivity by a thousandfold in cat cell experiments, showing efficacy against three human norovirus surrogates.
Unlike chlorine-based disinfectants or heat treatment, theaflavins are gentle on skin, non-corrosive, and odor-free, making them ideal for hand sanitizers. Researchers aim to develop theaflavin-based disinfectants with industry partners.
Theaflavins, primarily found in black tea and minimally in oolong and yellow teas, are dubbed "soft gold" due to their rarity and value.
02 Boosts Energy and Relieves Fatigue
Medical studies show that caffeine in black tea stimulates the cerebral cortex, enhancing mental alertness, concentration, and memory. It also excites the cardiovascular system, improving circulation and metabolism while promoting sweat and diuresis to expel fatigue-inducing lactic acid and waste.
03 Gentle and Warming
Rich in protein and sugars, black tea is naturally sweet and mild. In cold, damp weather, it helps ward off chills by nourishing the body's阳气 (vital energy), enhancing cold resistance, and warming the stomach. Adding honey, ginger, or milk amplifies these effects while providing extra nutrients.
04 Diuretic
Caffeine and aromatic compounds in black tea increase kidney blood flow, improve glomerular filtration, dilate renal microvessels, and inhibit water reabsorption, promoting urine production. This helps flush out lactic acid, uric acid (linked to gout), excess salt (related to hypertension), and toxins, alleviating edema from heart or kidney conditions.
05 Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial
Polyphenols in black tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Catechins bind to bacterial cells, coagulating proteins to inhibit pathogens. Thus, it benefits those with bacterial dysentery or food poisoning. Folk remedies also use concentrated tea for wound disinfection, bedsores, and athlete's foot.
06 Detoxifies and Eases Liver Burden
Studies prove tea polyphenols adsorb heavy metals and alkaloids, precipitating and decomposing them—a boon for modern populations exposed to industrial pollutants.
07 Strengthens Bones
A May 13, 2002, study by the American Medical Association tracked 497 men and 540 women for over a decade, finding black tea drinkers had stronger bones. Its polyphenols (also in green tea) inhibit osteoclast activity.
During seasonal transitions, drastic temperature changes often trigger joint pain and osteoporosis. Manganese in black tea is essential for bone structure, while polyphenols (including oxidation products) curb bone-damaging substances. A daily cup with lemon or fruit enhances bone health synergistically.
08 Antioxidant, Anti-aging
Over five years, U.S.-funded studies on tea antioxidants revealed their ability to disrupt cancer cell pathways. Dr. Murray Mittleman noted, "Black tea’s antioxidants are more complex than green tea’s, especially for heart health." American journals report black tea outperforms garlic, broccoli, and carrots in anti-aging.
09 Soothes and Protects Stomach
Unlike green tea, which may irritate空腹 (empty stomachs) due to high polyphenols, fermented black tea has reduced polyphenol content, easing胃 irritation. With sugar or milk, it even heals ulcers by消炎 and protecting gastric mucosa.
10 Aids Digestion and Cuts Greasiness
Winter’s sedentary lifestyle and rich diets lead to bloating and脂肪堆积. Black tea helps digest油腻, cleanse intestines, and maintain fitness, addressing the "winter weight gain" woe.
11 Dilates Blood Vessels, Benefits Heart
A recent U.S. study found heart patients drinking four cups daily improved血管舒张 from 6% to 10%. Potassium (70% soluble in tea) boosts circulation, while theaflavins and thearubigins prevent lipid oxidation and platelet aggregation, reducing冠心病 or stroke risks—ideal for elderly winter care.
12 Prevents Colds
Professor Shimamura from Showa University proved gargling black tea prevents flu. In a trial, 300 students split into two groups: one gargled tea twice daily; the other didn’t. After five months, the tea group resisted viruses better. Catechins (abundant in tea) inhibit free radicals and tumors. Even 2–5% tea浓度 (typical brewing strength) kills感冒病菌. Method: Gargle 15–20 seconds upon waking and returning home, repeating 2–3 times. Premium teas work best.
13 Lowers Global Cancer Rates
While绿茶’s抗癌 effects are well-known, new research confirms black tea’s potency too.