Thai tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular type of black tea, often served with condensed milk over ice. The black tea used in Thai tea was brought into Thailand from China centuries ago and has been a common drink in Northern Thailand ever since.
Black teas are among the most consumed beverages in the world. Studies have shown that regularly drinking black tea like Thai tea can provide relief for many ailments, including:
Nutrition Information
One cup of black tea has the following nutrients:
- Potassium: 87 milligrams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
Black tea is a good source of:
Potential Health Benefits of Thai Tea
Thai tea can be drunk as a folk remedy or enjoyed as a part of your regular diet. Thanks to its caffeine content, it can give an energy boost similar to drinking a cup of coffee. It also contains important antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent damage to your cells that can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration (impared vision with age).
There are a number of potential health benefits to drinking Thai Tea or any black tea regularly:
Discourages Weight Gain
Drinking black tea regularly can be a great tool to combat weight gain. Research has shown that the polyphenols in black tea inhibit obesity by aiding in the absorption of lipids (fat) and complex sugars. Thai tea also helps suppress digestion. Reports indicate that these effects are even more pronounced in black tea than in green tea.
Lowers Cholesterol
Drinking a couple of cups of black tea each day can help lower your cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can lead to several cardiovascular disorders, including heart attacks. Drinking at least three cups of black tea a day also increases a person’s antioxidant levels, another plus for good heart health.
Reduces Stroke Risk
A meta-analysis of several studies found that regularly drinking black tea can significantly reduce a person’s risk of stroke. Strokes are usually caused by blood clots in the brain and can cause debilitating symptoms such as paralysis, weakness, and problems with balance and coordination.
Decreases Chances of Heart Disease
Black tea has been shown to help reverse some of the arterial dysfunction associated with heart disease. It can also improve blood oxidation, an important indicator of heart health and other chronic medical issues.
Like many forms of herbal tea, Thai tea is rich in antioxidants that can help you maintain a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that Thai tea has similar levels of antioxidants as green tea and other herbal teas popularized specifically for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Antimicrobial Properties
Some research has shown that there may be antimicrobial properties in black teas like Thai tea. Consuming beverages with antimicrobial elements can help promote healthy digestion and immune system functioning.
Potential Risks of Drinking Thai Tea
There are several health benefits to enjoying Thai tea and no credible evidence that drinking black tea can have adverse health risks. Thai tea contains caffeine, so anyone who avoids caffeinated beverages for heart issues or other reasons should avoid Thai tea.
