What is black tea?
Black tea is a fully oxidized variety of tea from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. More full-bodied and richer in theine (natural caffeine) than green or white tea, it is appreciated for its intense taste, powerful aroma and benefits for concentration, digestion and cardiovascular health.
Originating in China, India (Darjeeling, Assam) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon), black tea is consumed all over the world and comes in many varieties, both pure and flavored (Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chaï).
What are the benefits of black tea?
Black tea is a beverage with multiple health benefits:
How to use black tea
Black tea is mainly consumed as an infusion, but can also be used in cosmetics and energy drinks.
As a hot or cold infusion
Water temperature: 90 to 95°C to release all its aromas.
Infusion time: 3 to 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per cup (approx. 2 g per 250 ml water).
As a refreshing iced tea
Infuse hot, then chill in the fridge.
Add lemon, ginger or mint for an invigorating drink.
As a natural cosmetic treatment
Skin mask → Concentrated infusion applied as a lotion to tighten pores and add radiance.
Hair rinse → Adds natural brown highlights and fortifies the scalp.
Recommended dosage:
2 to 4 cups a day to take full advantage of its benefits.
For a detox cure, use regularly over 3 to 4 weeks.
Does black tea help you lose weight?
Yes, thanks to its stimulating and digestive properties, it :
Activates metabolism, increasing energy expenditure.
Reduces the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates, limiting fat storage.
Facilitates elimination of toxins and combats water retention.
It is often combined with green tea and mate in natural slimming programs.
Is black tea good for the heart?
Yes, thanks to its flavonoid and polyphenol content, it :
Improves blood circulation and reduces hypertension.
Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and promotes good cholesterol (HDL).
Prevents cardiovascular disease by protecting blood vessels.
Regular consumption of black tea is often recommended to maintain a healthy heart.
Does black tea contain more caffeine than green tea?
Yes, black tea is more stimulating than green tea:
It undergoes complete oxidation, increasing the theine concentration.
It releases caffeine more slowly, providing stable, prolonged energy.
Caffeine content per cup:
Black tea: 40 to 70 mg.
Green tea: 25 to 50 mg.
Ideal for replacing coffee while avoiding nervous peaks.
What's the difference between black and green tea?
Black tea → Richer in theine, intense taste, ideal for energy and digestion.
Green tea → Richer in catechins, known for its detox and anti-aging effects.
Black tea is preferred in the morning, while green tea is often consumed during the day.
Where to buy quality black tea?
Black tea is available in :
Organic and specialist tea stores → Premium varieties such as Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon.
Pharmacies and parapharmacies → Teas in bags or leaves for well-being.
Specialized online stores → Pure, flavored or fair-trade black teas.
Asian and Indian grocers → Selection of traditional black teas.
Choose organic black tea with no artificial flavoring and from environmentally-friendly plantations.
Does black tea have any contraindications?
Although beneficial, black tea should be consumed in moderation:
Avoid at the end of the day, as it can disrupt sleep.
Limit consumption in cases of anemia, as it may reduce iron absorption.
Caution in case of digestive disorders, as it can irritate the stomach on an empty stomach.
Not recommended for pregnant women in excess, due to its caffeine content.
May interact with certain medications, notably anticoagulants and hypotensive drugs.
A balanced intake of black tea is the best way to reap its full benefits.
