January 5, 2007 – It is not as virtuous as green tea, but black tea is still said to be a drink that is beneficial to health.
Black tea, which accounts for 78% of world tea production, is by far the most consumed in Western countries. British researchers1 have scrutinized numerous studies to assess its potential.
According to the observed data, the consumption of three cups of black tea per day (one cup equivalent to 237 ml) would have a positive effect on the cardiovascular health in general, even reducing by 11% the risk of myocardial infarction. This protective effect would come from the antioxidants contained in this category of tea, which are generally beneficial for health, say the authors of the study.
In addition, the flavonoids in black tea may help slow the progression of osteoporosis in women. The greater the consumption of black tea (up to four cups per day), the greater its protective effect. The consumption of this drink in Great Britain makes it possible to increase the calcium intake in women by 3%. Researchers claim that this tea also helps reduce the risk of hip fracture in men.
Despite the presence of these antioxidants, the scientific data is too thin in the eyes of researchers to lend black tea a real role in cancer prevention.
The caffeine in black tea (17 mg per 100 ml) would not pose any health risk below a daily consumption of eight cups. On the contrary, it would improve mental capacities and mood in general. Since the caffeine content of black tea is not as high as that of coffee (75 to 100 mg per 100 ml), its consumption helps with hydration.
Martin Lasalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. Gardner EJ, Ruxton CH, Leeds AR, Black tea – helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence, Eur J Clin Nutr, January 2007, vol. 61, no 1, 3-18.
