Ask any chai-lover to define tea, the only answer you will get is soul-soothing. A cup of tea defines comfort for all. From kick starting the mornings to refueling in between work, a hot cup of tea can do it all. In fact, we all have containers in our pantry dedicated to tea leaves and other ingredients to make chai. However, the content in these containers might vary from person to person and their preference of chai. While some like masala chai, some enjoy green tea. Then we have a segment of tea lovers who enjoy black tea, made with good quality tea leaves (first flush, second flush et al). For the unversed, all the varieties of tea come from the same plant - Camellia Sinesis. What makes the difference is the process of oxidization. For instance, black is the most oxidized variation of tea. The leaves are sundried to get that distinctive colour and flavour of the tea. What adds on to the popularity are the health benefits associated to black tea.
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Here're 5 Health Benefits Of Black Tea:
1. Helps Detox:
Black tea is enriched with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help flush out toxins and prevent free-radical damages.
2. Boost Metabolism:
These factors further help boost metabolism and manage gut-health, further promoting overall health.
3. Strengthen Immunity:
Black tea contains tannins and alkylamine - both of which are known to have a direct connection with immunity. As per celebrity nutritionist Luke Coutinho, if taken in right amount, black tea helps promote immune health.
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4. Promote Heart Health:
Several studies have inferred that the flavonoids in black tea help promote heart health. In fact, the studies also state that drinking black tea regularly might help reduce heart risks.
5. Aid Weight Loss:
A 2014 study, conducted by researchers at University of Oslo, Norway, found that consumption of black tea three times a day for three months may help in losing some extra kilos than the ones who drank other forms of caffeinated beverages.
How To Make Black Tea: Tips To Make A Perfect Cup Of Black Tea:
Step 1. Boil 2 cups of water.
Step 2. Switch of the flame and add a spoon of black tea leaves to it after 30 seconds to one minute.
Step 3. Close the lid and let it infuse for at least 5 minutes.
Step 4. Strain and sip.
Don'ts:
1. Never add tea leaves while boiling the water. It takes away the flavour from the tea.
2. Never add tea leaves just after switching off the flame. Let the temperature (of water) come down to 80degree Celsius.
3. To enjoy it the best, avoid adding honey, sugar or any kind of sweetener or additional flavour to it.
What are you waiting for? Make yourself a cup of black tea right now and enjoy its flavours and benefits. But always remember, moderation is the key. And never forget to consult an expert before making any lifestyle change.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.