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What is Black Tea Extract?

Micki Elizabeth
Micki Elizabeth

Black tea, like green, white and oolong tea, is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis. Black tea, however, is oxidized more than other types of tea made from this plant, giving its color and name. All teas made from the Camellia sinensis have different levels and varieties of polyphenols, antioxidants with a list of possible health benefits. Drinking enough tea to gain from these supposed benefits could be difficult; thus, extracts that preserve the active ingredients of black tea are available. Black tea extract is available in different forms, each of which could have potential advantages to one’s overall health.

Black tea extract can be purchased as pills, which include the powder form of the extract, or as tinctures mixed with water and sometimes alcohol. No studies have conclusively proved that either form has substantial health effects; thus, this extract is not recommended to treat disease or sickness. As a dietary supplement, however, it can provide many advantages.

Loose-leaf black tea.
Loose-leaf black tea.

There are five types of polyphenols, and they can each be found at different levels and chemical structures in various teas. While black tea shares many similar qualities of its more popular dietary supplement, green tea, black tea has lower levels of these supposedly healthful antioxidants. Green tea can have 30- to 40-percent of polyphenols, while black tea may contain only 3 to 10 percent due to the way it is processed.

Similar to green tea, black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Similar to green tea, black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Despite the fact that black tea has lower amounts of antioxidants, black tea extract is still believed to have positive effects on overall health and in preventing life-threatening conditions. Black tea extract does have catechins, including one special type called epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), an antioxidant that recent studies pinpoint as possibly the most effective cancer-fighting polyphenol. Other antioxidants called flavonoids are also present in this extract. Studies have suggested that they can help reduce the possibility of specific types of cancer such as pancreatic cancer by targeting certain types of cancerous free radicals in the body. These polyphenols may also lower the risk for heart disease and stroke by decreasing the levels of unhealthy cholesterol.

Black tea contains catechins.
Black tea contains catechins.

Black tea extract has also shown evidence of helping to aid in weight loss. This is due to the metabolic effects of some of the polyphenols; when a person’s metabolic rate is raised, he can supposedly burn more calories even while at rest. The lower cholesterol levels and a tendency for black tea extract to improve circulation, increasing oxygen flow, possibly also support weight loss. One should consult a physician before introducing herbal supplements into the diet, as they can have adverse side effects.

Discussion Comments

anon996869

How do you extract caffeine from black tea? Which industry uses caffeine? Where in the world is tea extraction done?

donasmrs

Black tea extract is difficult to find. I've found antioxidant supplements with green tea extract but black tea extract doesn't appear to be as popular.

ddljohn

@SteamLouis-- I take black tea extract. I take it for the antioxidants.

I don't drink tea because I don't enjoy the taste. Moreover, it has caffeine and gives me stomach upset because it's acid-producing. Taking black tea extract is a great way to get the benefits of black tea without the side effects. And to get the amount of antioxidants that I get from my supplement from tea, I would have to drink five or six cups per day. That would not be possible for me even if my stomach was okay.

SteamLouis

Black tea has so many benefits, it's difficult to count them all! I know it is good for eliminating free radicals in the body. It also help boost metabolism, improves concentration and brain function and helps prevent heart disease.

But I don't understand why anyone would want to take black tea extract when one could drink the real thing! Black tea is widely available, easy to make and tastes delicious too. I personally can't get through a day without a cup or two of black tea in the afternoon. And I know it's benefiting me.

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    • Loose-leaf black tea.
      By: ivan kmit
      Loose-leaf black tea.
    • Similar to green tea, black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Similar to green tea, black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
    • Black tea contains catechins.
      By: emmi
      Black tea contains catechins.
    • Black tea extract is sometimes used in weight-loss supplements.
      By: neomidavid
      Black tea extract is sometimes used in weight-loss supplements.
    • Polyphenols in black tea extract may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by decreasing the levels of unhealthy cholesterol.
      By: blueringmedia
      Polyphenols in black tea extract may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by decreasing the levels of unhealthy cholesterol.
    • One should consult with a physician before taking black tea extract or other herbal supplements.
      By: Monkey Business
      One should consult with a physician before taking black tea extract or other herbal supplements.