by N Zinser

Created on: October 12, 2009

Tea has long been enjoyed as a beverage that has many health benefits. Most of the benefits that are talked about are in regard to green teas, but that is overlooking the black tea varieties, and the benefits they can add to a healthy diet.

Black and green teas are actually made from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis. They both are harvested from the leaves of this plant, but the difference is in the processing, which changes the benefits to each end result. Green teas are minimally processed with a procedure called "oxidizing", and black teas are more aggressively oxidized before each tea is dried. Oxidizing tea leaves is simply leaving the leaves out in a climate controlled environment, and allowing exposure to oxygen change the makeup of the leaves themselves. The process also alters what the final taste result will be. The process of oxidation is stopped by drying the leaves.

While the benefits of green tea are well known, black teas benefits are numerous as well.

Cardiovascular Benefits: consumption of black tea expands arteries, which promotes a healthy blood flow to the heart, it also can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Diet Benefits: Black teas can also improve metabolism, which in turn can jump-start weight loss.

Cholesterol: Regular drinking of teas can reduce the bad cholesterol in the body.

Immunities: Black teas also can improve immune systems, reducing risk of other illnesses.

Diabetes: The levels of polysaccharides in black tea has been shown to slow the absorption of glucose in diabetic patients.

Antioxidants: The levels of antioxidants present in tea has been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Cosmetic Benefits: Many of today's anti-aging creams and lotion contain teas, which are believed to slow the aging process effects on skin.

Teeth Benefits: Tea leaves themselves contain fluoride, which strengthens the enamel of teeth.

These are just a few of the many benefits to a good cup of black tea. Many of the studies also show that consumption of milk with your tea can reduce these benefits, so to get the full advantage of all that tea can offer, make sure to drink it black! While all teas are tasty in their own right, the complexity of flavor in black teas makes it a pleasing addition to your diet. Enjoying tea in your diet is not only a delicious move, but a healthy one as well.

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