You Should Drink Black Tea As Your Morning Awake Tea
Have you realized that it makes sense for most people around the universe to sip their morning tea? Well, you should drink black tea as your morning awake tea. With a range of teas available, many turn to the classic black tea. It’s evident that there are individuals whom their morning black tea is almost alike to a ritual. From home mid-day break to office and boardroom brainstorming, black tea is one of the beverages that connect many with its spellbinding taste and aroma.
What is black tea?
Black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized than oolong, green and white teas. Black tea is generally stronger in flavor than the less oxidized teas. All four types are made from leaves of the shrub (or small tree) Camellia Sinensis. Two principal varieties of the species are used – the small-leaved Chinese variety plant (C. Sinensis subsp. Sinensis), used for most other types of teas, and the large-leaved Assamese plant (C. Sinensis subsp. Assamica), which was traditionally mainly used for black tea, although in recent years some green and white have been produced.
Tea processing steps.
Production process and different types of tea vary from country to country or region. With the overall differences, there are four major stages involved in black tea production which includes withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. There are two processing methods which are orthodox and CTC (cut-tear-curl). The CTC method is mostly used in many countries to produce tea bag blends.
i. Withering.
The tea leaves are rid of their moisture to about 40%. Two methods are used i.e. natural and modern. In natural, the leaves are spread on boards and then covered with nets. Withering takes between 14 to 18 hours. Modern withering, leaves are placed inside troughs covered with grids and large ventilators. They can be used to warm the leaves to reduce the time to 8 to 12 hours.
ii. Rolling.
In the orthodox method, rollers cut open withered leaves. The lumpy green leaves are then spread using a sieving machine. It takes around 30 minutes and it’s repeated thrice. In CTC method, once rolled the leaves are size reduced in thorn drums. The torn leaves are then separated to remove leaf ribs.
iii. Fermentation.
The leaves are spread on boards is special rooms with temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius for around 2 to 3 hours. They are occasionally sprinkled with water. At this stage, color changes from copper-red to brown and unique aroma starts to unfold. This step determines the final quality of the black tea.
iv. Drying.
This process takes place in tiered dryers on conveyor belts. It takes around 20 minutes and uses the hot air of 80-90 degrees Celsius. The final moisture content achieved is 5-6%. The black color is attained at this stage.
v. Sorting/ Sieving.
Finished tea is sorted into grades. These include leaf, small leaf, large broken, fine broken, and fanning.
vi. Packing.
This is the final step where varied packaging materials are used.
Health benefits of black tea:
(1) Improves heart health
Black tea repairs coronary artery disorder in heart patients. It lowers atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries). Black tea is also linked with reduced, ischemia, and cardiovascular mortality.
(2) Boosts oral health.
It reduces plaque formation. Polyphenols in black tea prevent bacterial growth that causes cavities and tooth decay.
(3) Boosts immunity.
Its rich antioxidants scavenge free oxygen radicals that prevent normal cell function. Black tea removes the free oxygen radicals; this reinstates normal body and cell functions which in turn boosts immunity. It contains tannins that are able to fight viruses and also protect from flu and influenza.
(4) Improve bone health.
It’s a calcium substitute. It prevents osteoporosis and reduced bone density. Its phytochemicals lower arthritis development.
(5) Lowers diabetes risk.
It makes insulin more sensitive due to its theaflavins and catechins. This lowers type 2 diabetes.
(6) Enhances a healthy digestive tract.
Consuming black tea improves gut microbe count. Polyphenols in tea act as prebiotic which increase gut bacteria. Polyphenols also avert growth of harmful bacterial gut. Tannins in black tea have a therapeutic effect on intestinal and gastric illnesses. Black tea also reduces stomach ulcers and colorectal.
(7) Stress relief.
It has amino acid (L-theanine) which enables you to relax. It also reduces stress hormone (cortisol) levels when consumed moderately.
(8) Increases energy.
Its low amounts of caffeine enhance flowing of blood to the brain. It stimulates respiratory and metabolism system and the kidney and heart. These factors enable improved energy levels in the body.
(9) Reduce Parkinson’s risk.
The caffeine contributes to this. Polyphenols in tea have neuroprotective effect on brain.
(10) Eliminates bacteria in the body.
Phytonutrients and antioxidants in black tea have antibacterial properties. This reduces infections caused by bacteria.
Though over-indulgence in anything results to undesirable consequences, having another cup of black tea might not be that bad. If maintaining a healthy lifestyle is your dream, then black tea might be one of the best solutions that will make your dreams true. With the mentioned benefits, you should drink black tea as your morning awake tea.
Don’t hesitate to choose a black tea as your morning tea, because black tea is one of the best tea in the world.