The Health Benefits of Black Tea
A wealth of studies have explored tea, green tea in particular. But black tea has plenty to offer in its own right, starting with its rounded, full-bodied taste and the moment of pause it brings. Here's a closer look at what makes a daily black tea ritual so enjoyable.
What black tea has to offer
Enjoyed for centuries, black tea appeals first and foremost through its taste and the ritual it creates. The oxidation of its leaves gives it a coppery colour, its malty aromas and its lovely body in the cup. Black tea is not a medicine: it does not prevent or cure any disease.
A light drink for every day
On its own, black tea contains almost no calories. It pairs pleasantly with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, without being a slimming product: no drink makes you lose weight on its own.
Black tea and antioxidants
Like all teas, black tea contains naturally occurring compounds, notably polyphenols and catechins, which are of interest to researchers. Black tea is not a medicine, however: it does not prevent or cure any disease.
Black tea, a simple pleasure
Black tea fits naturally into good hydration and a balanced lifestyle. It is not a substitute for medical advice or for any treatment, and should not be consumed for therapeutic purposes.
A comforting moment
There is nothing quite like a hot cup of black tea to round off a break, especially in winter. Above all, it is a simple pleasure and a soothing ritual.
About theine
Like coffee, tea naturally contains caffeine, often called theine when found in tea. A cup of black tea is therefore gently stimulating, much like a cup of coffee. All teas contain it, whether white, black or green. If you are sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated versions are available, so you can still enjoy your favourite brew.
Which black tea should you choose?
To make the most of black tea, choosing the right tea matters.
Look for teas labelled "imperial picking" or "fine picking". Young leaves and buds give the most refined cup.
Opt for teas with a solid reputation. China and India both produce black teas of outstanding quality.
Whenever possible, choose organic teas, grown without synthetic pesticides.
Finally, let your leaves steep for several minutes to release all their flavour and aroma.
You can also use black tea as a base for other drinks. Some recipes call for adding spices or fruit to create warming, aromatic blends.
It's worth noting that Oolong sits between green and black tea: its oxidation is less complete, giving it a different aromatic profile.
Around three cups a day is a pleasant benchmark for fully enjoying black tea.
From Yunnan to Assam, find our black tea shop, carefully selected by our family tea house.
