In the West, more than 90% of the teas sold are among the four varieties of tea of ​​the c amellia sinensis plant : black tea, green tea, white tea and oolong tea. of these, black tea retains its flavor much longer, and has a more intense caffeine aroma.Currently, the world’s largest producers of black tea are India, Sri Lanka and China and, during the production process, after being harvested, the leaves are left on shelves with air blowing to remove approximately 1/3 of the moisture, leaving them behind. flexible ones. After that, they are rolled up to break the cell walls releasing sugars for fermentation.

For fermentation to be possible, it is necessary to keep the leaves in a very humid environment, which will transform the leaves by developing the black tea flavor. After that, they are dried and then marketed all over the world.

what are the benefits

The three best known black teas in China are Yunnan, which comes from the province of the same name and is perfect to drink with milk; Keemun, produced in the Qimen Zone of Anhwei province, very popular in England; and, finally, the best known variety, Lapsang Souchong, from the North. All of these variations carry numerous health benefits. Check out below:

cardiovascular health

All four types of black tea are antioxidants, helping to prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, and preventing damage to the bloodstream and artery walls, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. Because it is rich in flavonoids, black tea also helps improve coronary vasodilation, reducing clot formation.

cancer prevention

Because it is rich in polyphenols, black tea helps prevent the formation of potential carcinogens in the body, especially in ovarian, lung, prostate, colorectal and bladder cancer. It may also help, according to studies, to prevent stomach and breast cancer due to the action of the compound TF-2, which causes cancer cells to go into apoptosis, which is programmed cell death.

brain and nervous system

The caffeine levels in black tea are low, but this is enough to promote blood flow to the brain without overstimulating the heart, helping to improve focus and concentration. L-theanine, an amino acid present in black tea, also helps to promote relaxation as it reduces levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone.

Energy

Tea also helps to stimulate the body due to the presence of caffeine which, when consumed in moderation, carries many benefits. It helps improve the functioning of metabolism, aids alertness and also increases brain function.

Immune system

Because it is rich in tannins, black tea, according to studies, fights the flu virus, as well as dysentery and hepatitis. It also contains antigens that help boost the body’s immune response.