Black Tea

Black tea comes from the leaves of the tea bush, Camellia sinensis. This is the same bush that white, green, and oolong tea leaves come from, as well. The difference is in how long each tea leaf is allowed to age in the air before it is processed into its final form.

Black tea is aged to a very dark color and completely oxidized, which takes from two to four weeks.

In contrast, white tea is picked and processed immediately, with no aging. Green tea is aged only one to two days and oolong tea is aged between two and fourteen days.

Not only does black tea have a stronger flavor, it also contains more caffeine than its lighter counterparts.

Black tea also contains a group of polyphenols and flavonoids called catechins that have antioxidant properties. Consuming these nutrients on a regular basis may help reduce many risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol, blood pressure, high triglyceride levels and obesity.

Consuming black tea can also improve your focus and increase relaxation, which is something we could all use. This is likely why the British believe a cup of tea is so therapeutic.