In a recen
t study, black tea is shown to be beneficial for cholesterol and heart health. There are a couple of major factors that make drinking black tea (without milk or sugar) beneficial to your health. This study, published in the journal Preventative Medicine, showed that drinking 3 cups of tea a day for a period of 12 weeks significantly reduced blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Triglyceride levels (blood fat) dropped by 39% in males and 29% in famales, which is statistically significant.
In addition, blood levels of antioxidants increased, the inflammation marker CRP decreased and uric acid levels, which are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, decreased. The speculation is that this is promoted by tea’s polyphenol content, which are powerful antioxidants.
Tea is also well known to help dissolve kidney stones likely due to its catechin content. Studies have shown that drinking tea seems to inhibit the formation of stones. Tea also contains the amino acid theanine, which has a calming effect on the mind by increasing the brain content of GABA, an important soothing neurotransmitter (also an amino acid).
The researchers in this study suggest drinking tea without milk as the milk binds to the polyphenols making them less available for us. In addition, avoid sugar, which will render the other health giving properties fairly useless.
…drinking tea led to an increase in levels of HDL cholesterol, long considered to be the ‘good’ type of cholesterol – …
As you can see, not only is black tea good for your heart health, it can promote good mental health and improve kidney function. Summer is a great time for iced tea. If you need it sweetened, try a little stevia powder and lemon. To your health!
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