Scenario 1: The wind is blowing, the rain is falling, and the storm is crackling. You are in the comfort of your living room, with warm slippers and a dressing gown, but there is one thing missing.
Scenario 2: The sun is out, life feels great, the air is crisp and fresh, and you feel the warm grass under your feet. But there is one thing missing.
That missing ingredient is a perfect cup of tea! Namely, a cup of black tea, or an Earl Grey, two very popular drinks that not only taste great but also offer a plethora of health benefits, whether digestive or cardiac, these teas have been considered valuable for centuries due to their therapeutic abilities. Take these lists of benefits as an example:
Benefits of Black Tea
- Digestive aid – black tea is known for its digestive properties. It can help with feelings of a poor stomach and indigestion. Some studies have also suggested that tannins (naturally occurring chemical compounds) found in black tea may also help with preventing some gastrointestinal infections, notably those that can cause diarrhoea.
- Improved mental awareness – the caffeine in black tea can help increase concentration and awareness. Black tea also contains an amino acid, called L-theanine. This amino acid has been shown to help with relaxation and cognitive function, helping the drinker with better focus and clarity.
- Cardiac health – In addition to the caffeine for alertness, and the amino acid for relaxation, this drink also contains flavonoids, which are also present in many fruits, vegetables, and plants that we eat. They possess a number of benefits including properties that are antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, some claim, anticancer. The antioxidants, especially, play a role in protecting cells from damage, possibly reducing the general risk of heart disease.
- Bone health – the same aforementioned flavonoids in tea have also been linked with improved bone density and strength, especially in older adults, contributing to a reduction in fractures and osteoporosis.
How about Earl Grey?
- Digestive aid – much like black tea, this drink is known to aid with digestion. Earl Grey also contains bergamot oil. This has been known to be used to treat symptoms of nausea, bloating, and gas.
- Enhanced mood – the aforementioned bergamot oil (derived from the peel of bergamot oranges) has an aromatic property not dissimilar to lavender, in that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, and help with calming and relaxing the drinker.
- Supported immune system – again, similarly to black tea, antioxidants in Earl Grey can help the immune system protect against infections, namely common illnesses such as colds and flu.
- Oral health – Earl Grey contains natural fluoride, which has a role in building strong teeth and bones and preventing cavities. The polyphenols (one of the antioxidants) contained also have antibacterial properties which can contribute to the prevention of gum disease and decay.
To conclude, both black tea and Earl Grey tea offer their own health benefits to the drinker, whether it be mental health, cardiac health, or digestive health. Adding these to your daily routine is a delicious way to improve your overall well-being.