Does black tea prevent you from sleeping?
Black tea contains theine (tea caffeine), which is gradually released into the body and has a stimulating effect. Although it is the same molecule as caffeine, it is four times less concentrated in black tea than in coffee. While theine gives us a little more energy, can it affect our sleep? It depends on the individual: the stimulation felt, absorption rate and tolerance are unique to each person. If you are worried about having trouble falling asleep, avoid drinking black tea for six hours before your planned bedtime. In the evening, opt for a lovely organic herbal tea or infusion! At Kusmi, there is plenty of choice, including infusions as spicy as our black teas.
To find out more, please read our article on tea and caffeine: is tea a stimulant?
Can black tea cause nausea?
When black tea is drunk on an empty stomach upon waking, it may cause nausea in a small number of people. The culprit is tannins which give tea its astringency when it is steeped for too long. Found in many plants, these small molecules are used by plants as a defence against microbes. Once detected by the tongue’s sensory receptors, they create a contracting sensation on the mucous membranes… which can leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Note that this happens less often with black tea than with green tea, which is richer in tannins. Our advice: monitor your tea’s steeping time (we often tend to steep it for too long), or remember to eat when drinking your first cup of tea of the day.
Is black tea a diuretic?
Good news: black tea hydrates the body, stimulates kidney function and helps eliminate toxins. Its diuretic effect on the body means eliminating more water and salt than usual. As a result of this salt elimination, blood pressure falls, which is good for our cardiovascular system. However, by eliminating water, we can also become dehydrated. It is therefore recommended not to drink only tea throughout the day, but to alternate it with water, which is more hydrating in the long term.
Does black tea cause constipation?
No, quite the opposite, apparently. Drinking black tea is said to be good for digestion and bowel transit. Drinking black tea provides the body with water, and staying hydrated is a good way to prevent constipation. In addition, theine (or caffeine, as it is the same molecule) contained in black tea is known to have a laxative effect: it speeds up intestinal transit. Finally, stress can also cause digestive problems, and theanine, an amino acid found in black tea, is said to have a relaxing effect on the brain.
Does black tea block iron absorption?
Yes, this is one of the best-known interactions: a very large quantity of tea could inhibit the body’s absorption of iron. If you are iron deficient, we recommend taking your dietary supplements with water. The same applies at mealtimes if you need to follow an iron-rich diet (lentils, white beans, red meat, seafood…). Drink water at the table and keep tea as a drink for after or outside mealtimes. It will be more effective!
Does black tea stain teeth yellow?
Like coffee, black tea tends to stain teeth yellow. The culprit is tannins, small molecules that have health benefits (including destroying certain oral bacteria), but which in turn stain tea cups. To avoid marks on your teeth, remember to drink a glass of water or rinse your mouth after drinking black tea. It is also recommended to brush your teeth two to three times a day, after meals, and at least 30 minutes after drinking a cup of tea.
Should black tea be avoided during pregnancy?
No, tea is not forbidden for pregnant women. However, doctors generally recommend limiting consumption to two or three cups a day (it also depends somewhat on the size of the cup!).
Depending on the individual, black tea may therefore have undesirable effects when consumed in excessive quantities. However, this consumption also comes with many health benefits. Black tea has nothing to envy its cousins, green and white teas.