Black tea: Benefits, risks, and caution advised
Alongside coffee and water, black tea is one of the most popular beverages. Although it has many beneficial properties, it's important to remember that not everyone should drink it. Some individuals need to be cautious.
It's no surprise that the drink enjoys such popularity. Alongside its distinctive taste, which has many fans, tea also boasts health benefits. This variety is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, and B, as well as zinc, fluoride, potassium, and selenium.
Caffeine, but from tea
Black tea has mild stimulating properties due to its theine content, a chemical compound structurally identical to caffeine. It not only enhances thinking processes and improves mood but can also potentially support the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, theine relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi and supports the cardiovascular system.
Theine, which supports the cardiovascular system, can negatively affect people with low iron levels in the blood, such as those with anemia. Drinking tea may limit iron absorption from meals. It should also be avoided by individuals dealing with reflux and peptic ulcer disease, as tea can exacerbate symptoms.
Who should stop drinking black tea?
In addition to vitamins and minerals, tea contains oxalates, which form insoluble salts and can negatively affect the kidneys. Therefore, individuals with kidney diseases, including kidney stones, should be cautious with tea.
For nervous individuals who have trouble with sleep and concentration, tea is not the best solution. Why? It's the theine which stimulates and may lead to headaches, anxiety, restlessness, or rapid breathing. Additionally, those with high blood pressure, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should be careful. Excessive tea consumption may lead to the accumulation of substances in the body that can be harmful in larger amounts, such as aluminum or fluoride.
