To each according to their desires, their habits
Whether every morning at breakfast, or more occasionally at tea time, it is primarily for its taste that we love black tea. The most consumed variety currently in France, black tea is popular for its strong personality: intense flavors, rich in aromas and malty. If we consume it so regularly, it is also because we know that black tea is good for us. It is a hydrating drink, which can be drunk unsweetened, and which is renowned for its benefits. In addition to its stimulating effect (thanks for the little boost!), black tea helps fight diabetes (it regulates blood sugar), cholesterol, headaches and anxiety. You can therefore consume, without risk, 4 to 5 cups of black tea per day. (If they are small cups, you can count a little more!)
To each depending on the time of day
What may encourage you to sometimes reduce your consumption of black tea is your sensitivity to theine. Present in black tea leaves, theine is released when they are immersed in hot water. Enough to give us welcome energy during the day... Except that the stimulation felt, the rate of absorption, and the tolerance will be specific to each person. People sensitive to theine, who may fear having difficulty falling asleep, will prefer drink black tea only in the morning. We therefore recommend that you test to identify your tolerance threshold to theine.
Did you know that theine and caffeine come from the same molecule? And yes! However, caffeine does not have the same effects as theine on the body. It is generally said that caffeine is exciting while theine is stimulating. Something to take into account when choosing the drink that will give you energy during your day!
To make the most of the benefits of black tea, it is generally recommended to drink a cup in the morning to wake up energetically but gently. The rest of the day is reserved for green tea or white tea.
To each according to their state of health
Pregnant women
Another public who may seek to reduce their consumption of theine: pregnant women, to whom doctors generally recommend reducing their consumption to two cups of black tea per day.
People on medication or with anemia
Likewise, if you are taking medication, it is recommended to check with your doctor whether certain foods or drinks can influence the activity of a medication by attenuating, slowing down or, on the contrary, reinforcing one or more of its effects. For example, coffee or alcohol can accentuate certain side effects of a medication. This is very rarely the case with tea, but if in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor! One of the most well-known interferences is not taking iron (as a dietary supplement) with tea, because this inhibits its absorption by the body.
It’s up to everyone to imagine (also) alternatives
If for one reason or another you need to reduce your consumption of black tea, and you are afraid of running out, several hot drinks can be tried as a replacement.
Rooibos
We particularly recommend Rooibos (tea without theine), a shrub from the acacia family, whose tiny leaves, similar to pine needles, only grow in South Africa. Its non-bitter and earthy taste may remind some of black tea. Only difference? It does not contain theine (caffeine) and can therefore be consumed at any time of the day!
Herbal teas and infusions
Another option: the multitude of herbal teas or herbal infusions. So many different flavors to try, each with health benefits… just waiting to be verified!
Detheinated black tea
Finally, if necessary, you can also detheine black tea, to reduce the presence of theine, while preserving the flavors and aromas of the leaves. De-theinated black tea has no stimulating effect, so you can drink it at any time of the day, including in the evening without risk of impacting your sleep! How to do it? All you have to do is steep your black tea for the first time, then throw away the water containing the theine. Then keep the same bag and infuse your tea a second time in new water.
A little reminder about the benefits of black tea
Black tea has multiple health benefits. Starting with its stimulating effect already mentioned above. It is also known to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Rich in antioxidants, it has the virtues of fighting against premature aging of cells and the development of certain diseases.