Therapeutic Action of Earl Grey Tea

Black tea is a beverage that offers several health advantages due to its polyphenol content, which works to increase the body’s antioxidant capacity and guard against the development of several chronic diseases.

Polyphenols are plant-derived antioxidants thought to be responsible for some of the health benefits of foods including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, seeds, nuts, and other plant-based meals in general. Black tea contains several flavonoids, including catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, quercetin glycosides, theaflavins, and thearubigin, the latter two of which were created during the oxidation process used to produce black tea.

The effect of polyphenols in black tea may help fight obesity by reducing the digestion and absorption of lipids and complex carbohydrates, increasing lipolysis, and decreasing lipid accumulation by reducing the proliferation of fat cells (adipocytes).

The polyphenolic theaflavins present in black tea, on the other hand, have a chemoprotective action against hormone-dependent mammary tumors, and the antiproliferative activity of black tea polyphenol in cancer cells has been demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell survival and proliferation.

Caffeine, another important element of tea, has positive effects on alertness, physical stamina, and cognitive function.

Bergamot oil, which flavors black tea in the composition of Earl Grey, contains bergapten, bergamottin, and citroptene, as well as limonene and linalool, which give it analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal (against fungi) activity.

In addition, and if that were not enough, bergamot oil has an anxiolytic and neuroprotective effect, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

 

Benefits of regular Earl Grey Tea consumption

Drinking black tea regularly helps reduce the chances of cardiovascular disorders and, due to its high antioxidant content, has the potential to decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The inclusion of black tea in the diet has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic humans and improve cholesterol levels in adults at risk for heart disease and obese adults.

Drinking black tea has also been shown to promote blood pressure, helping to reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension and stroke.

Drinking black tea also has antimicrobial activity, fighting the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Regarding diabetes, some studies have reported improved insulin status and decreased blood sugar from regular consumption of unsweetened black tea.

Thus, the conjugation of black tea and bergamot oil, with its properties and therapeutic action, would lead to regular consumption of Earl Grey tea, considered an aromatic stimulant worldwide, to have beneficial effects on:

Improves mood, reduces anxiety and gives energy, thanks to the positive effects of caffeine in black tea and the aromatherapeutic anti-anxiety effect of bergamot oil.

Contributes to weight loss and reduces or regulates blood glucose levels, thanks to the properties of black tea since, with the aroma of bergamot oil, it is a drink that can be consumed without sweeteners whether hot or cold.

Relieves colds and flu symptoms, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect provided by bergamot essential oil.

Improves dental health, thanks to fluoride in black tea that helps prevent tooth decay.

Help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and reduce the occurrence of chronic ailments, thanks to the antioxidant effect of black tea.

Contributing to cancer prevention, although still under study, the antioxidant action of tea may have a good antiproliferative effect on cancer cells.

When thinking about taking care of ourselves, it is important to keep in mind that plants grown with pesticides retain traces of them when consumed. To avoid ingesting and accumulating these toxins in our bodies, choose organic Earl Grey tea.

Earl Grey Black Tea: Side Effects

Consuming too much can cause muscle cramps, spasms, paraesthesia, and blurred vision.

These negative consequences have been noted as a result of bergamot oil flavoring, as bergapten can act as a potassium channel blocker, which is what can cause fasciculation, myokymia, and cramps.

If any side effects are detected, its consumption should be reduced or discontinued. The effects wear off after a week.

For its part, it is recommended not to exceed the intake of 6 to 8 cups of black tea per day and to avoid taking it at night, especially in people with insomnia problems, since the caffeine in tea has a longer-lasting effect than in other infusions.