Some people say “Tea is the essence of life”, and it is indeed true in the case of tea lovers and enthusiasts like us. Tea happens to be the most popular beverage in the world and is consumed the most in our day to day lives after water. Not only does it refresh our mind but this versatile beverage also provides us with numerous health benefits that have been proved in studies countless times. Among the most popular teas, one is the English Breakfast tea which has gained popularity quite a bit now. This article will solely focus on the amazing health benefits that the English Breakfast tea never fails to give us. But first, let us understand what English Breakfast tea is and what it comprises of.
What is English Breakfast Tea?
English Breakfast tea is a popular, traditional tea to the British and Irish cultures. It is mainly a blend of high-grade Black teas that originate from Assam, Ceylon, Kenya, and few other neighboring countries, it is a mixture of all these teas, giving the English brew a perfectly balanced brew. Although the proportion in which the teas are mixed depends from maker to maker, the richness remains somewhat the same due to its high-quality nature. Since English Breakfast tea is made of all Black tea variants, it is high to moderate in caffeine content and gives you the right amount of boost to start your mornings afresh. Dating back to the late 19th century when it was originated, this tea has been very popular ever since and has been the “Breakfast tea” which ideally complimented the traditional English breakfast then and the English breakfast now.
7 greatest Health Benefits of English Breakfast tea-
Great source of antioxidants:
Black teas have a whole army of antioxidants - catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins are groups of Polyphenols that are a type of antioxidant, all found abundantly in Black teas. And since English Breakfast tea is basically made up of a number of Black teas all mixed together, it is a great source of antioxidants that promotes the overall health of a person with time. It helps in reducing cell damage and may decrease the probability of chronic diseases.
Healthy caffeine content:
You might be wondering why this point is added in health benefits and we’ll explain. Generally, caffeine is associated with negativity but it is not the case when you need an energy boost in the middle of the day. Caffeine is only bad for health when consumed in extremely high quantity, the FDA has mentioned 400 mg per day of caffeine to be a safe amount for consumption for healthy adults which really amounts to around 7 to 8 cups of Black tea per day. But to be on the safe side, 2-3 cups a day is a good amount.
Improves brain function and boosts energy:
Caffeine is responsible for blocking the effects of adenosine (the neurotransmitter that relaxes the body and the mind) and prevents drowsiness. Consuming caffeinated beverages allows the mind to stay awake for a longer time and its effect on the brain increases alertness and focus. Drinking the English Breakfast tea will help you reduce fatigue and lethargy and will give a healthy boost to your energy levels to work for long hours. However, a limit to the amount of caffeine intake is the way to go. Too much caffeine can cause jitters and shiver. But unless too sensitive to caffeine, 3 cups of English Breakfast will do you no harm at all.
May reduce bad cholesterol:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL) are 2 types of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout the body. LDL is considered a bad lipoprotein because it takes the cholesterol to the cells, whereas, HDL takes it away from the cells. When LDL increases in the body it causes waxy deposits in the arteries and veins called plaque, which increases the risk of heart failures and strokes. Some studies have found that Black teas can reduce the levels of bad cholesterols (LDL) to some extent. A study done on random people with mild cholesterol levels found that consumption of Black teas regularly (5 servings per day) reduced the LDL levels up to 11%.
May improve overall stomach health:
Studies have discovered that the gut contains trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, and also 70 to 80% of the body’s immune system. Some bacteria are good for health whereas some are utterly harmful. The antioxidants (mainly the polyphenols) in Black teas may help in reducing the number of bad bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of Black teas also kill off the harmful substances in the body and improve your immunity.
May reduce the risk of stroke:
Stroke is a major concern of death all over the world but fortunately, 80% of strokes can be prevented by proper management of diet and blood pressure, regular physical activities, and reduced smoking or drinking. Studies have found out that Black teas may help in reducing the probability of strokes. A study conducted on 74,961 Swedish people over a span of 10 years showed that those who drank 4 to 5 cups of Black tea per day had lesser risks of strokes than those who did not.
May reduce the risk of cancer:
The polyphenols in teas may be able to help in preventing the survival of cancer cells. A test-tube study revealed the effects of polyphenols found in Black and Green teas on cancer cells, these teas might play a role in decreasing new cell growth and regulate the cancer cell development. Another study done on breast cancer showed the effects of polyphenols on it too. The study revealed that Black teas may help in reducing hormone-dependent tumors. Although quite a few studies show the helpful effects of tea on cancers, they can never replace traditional treatment and medicine. But they make for a healthy accompaniment for sure.
Summing up
English Breakfast tea is one of the finest tea there is. This tea is the perfect blend that compliments the English heritage splendidly and also goes well with other cuisine breakfasts. Its delicious aroma and taste will draw you towards it numerous times throughout the day. But why limit it to breakfast times? You can drink the English Breakfast tea anytime during the day and its amazing health benefits will only provide you with better health results.
