What Is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea is a tea blend that is often flavored with bergamot oil. It has a signature lemon-like pungent flavor and is believed to have been named after the former Prime Minister of British in the 1830s, Earl Charles Grey. In recent times, the popularity of Earl Grey tea has been on the rise, thanks to its wonderful benefits.
What Are The Benefits Of Earl Grey Tea?
1. May Boost Teeth Health
Some believe that the catechins in Earl Grey tea (or any tea for that matter) can benefit the health of your teeth. Though direct research on Earl Grey tea is lacking, studies do show that tea catechins, in general, can promote oral health. Tea extracts were found to be helpful in preventing dental caries (1). More importantly, the fluoride in Earl Grey may also help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Though more research is warranted, this is an encouraging step.
2. Eases Depression Symptoms
The bergamot oil the tea contains is known to have a calming effect on individuals. This can boost the person’s mood and help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and even stress (2). Bergamot’s natural aromatherapic qualities play a role here.
3. Can Boost Heart Health
This can again be attributed to the bergamot in the tea. As per studies, this key ingredient can lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease as a consequence. Bergamot contains essential enzymes like HMGF (Hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonones) that can attack those proteins in the body known to cause heart disease (3). In fact, bergamot is considered as good as statins (a group of drugs prescribed for fat reduction) in improving heart health. Studies also show that taking Earl Grey tea can even improve good cholesterol levels, which is another precursor for heart health.
4. May Enhance Digestion
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Earl Grey tea can ease abdominal issues like cramping, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Traditionally, the tea has also been used to treat colic and nausea. Earl Grey tea also contains antioxidants, called theaflavins, which eliminate free radicals that can cause indigestion and other digestive issues. Research shows that consuming at least three cups of Earl Grey tea a week can cut the risk of digestive system cancer. Some believe that consuming at least three cups of Earl Grey tea a week can cut the risk of digestive system cancer, though more research is warranted here.
5. May Decrease Cancer Risk
The antioxidants in the tea can fight free radicals, which can otherwise lead to cancer in the long run. There are some interesting findings about ovarian cancer as well – women taking flavonoids, the antioxidants abundant in Earl Grey tea (and other teas as well), were found to be at a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer (4). It also is beliebved that Earl Grey tea may have the potential to halt angiogenesis, which is a bodily process through which new blood vessels are formed. Angiogenesis only happens in certain instances – for women during their monthly periods and pregnancy, and also for everyone when there is a physical injury. But once the need for these additional blood vessels is met, the body has to prune them back. The failure of this, due to any reason, can lead to diseases, cancer being one of them. However, whether Earl Grey tea contributes in this regard is yet to be studied.
6. Earl Grey Tea Fights Inflammation
This could be attributed to bergamot oil, again. Studies have demonstrated the amazing anti-inflammatory properties of bergamot oil (5). Since Earl Grey tea contains bergamot oil, it is hypothized that it also may help fight inflammation.
7. Might Promote Weight Loss
The bergamot in Earl Grey tea has citrus extracts that are known to boost metabolism, and they help you lose weight as a consequence. And there is caffeine in the tea, which also boosts fat burning and contributes to healthy weight loss. However, there is no research to support this. Evidence that exists is only anecdotal.
8. Boosts Immunity
The antioxidants in the bergamot oil fight free radicals and boost the immune system. They also fight oxidative stress, which can hamper the functioning of the immune system. Some research shows that bergamot may act as a bactericidal and antiviral agent, thereby boosting the immune system (6). This tea could be the ideal drink if you are suffering from symptoms of cold and fever. The tea may also treat a sore throat.
9. Might Treat Sunburns
Though there is very less research on this, some anecdotal evidence suggests that the antioxidants in Earl Grey tea can help heal sunburns. You just have to massage the tea over the affected area every morning and night. These are the different ways you can use Earl Grey tea for your benefit. But how do you make the tea? What do you need?
How To Make Earl Grey Tea
The process is simple. You just need a couple of teaspoons of Earl Grey tea and some water. Here are the steps: If you want to make the tea with milk, simply replace the water with milk. And if you want to have Earl Grey green tea, you can mix the leaves of both the teas and follow the process discussed above. For iced Earl Grey tea, simply let the leaves steep in the hot water. Strain the liquid and allow the tea to cool down. You can add a couple of ice cubes to it and have your iced tea. Quite simple, isn’t it? Does this mean you can take the tea as many times as you want every day? Maybe not.
What Are The Side Effects Of Earl Grey Tea?
Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Like most other teas, Earl Grey tea contains caffeine. This may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Some research shows that excess caffeine intake during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage (7). In breastfeeding women, the caffeine in the tea may cause irritability in the infant (8).
Caffeine Problems
Excess caffeine can lead to anxiety, tremors, heart palpitations, and even sleeplessness(9), (10). If you have issues with caffeine intake, reduce intake of the tea.
Stained Teeth
Tea contains tannins, which can get transferred to your tooth enamel, thereby staining your teeth. You can rinse your mouth after drinking to prevent this.Individuals who have undergone tooth whitening procedures are also advised to avoid tea to prevent staining (11).
Issues With Iron Absorption
The tannic and gallic acids in the tea can interfere with the absorption of iron from leafy green veggies. Hence, reduce intake of the tea if you are deficient in iron. Also, drink the tea in between meals and not with them(12).
Bergamot Toxicity
Excess intake of the tea can lead to bergamot toxicity, which can interfere with potassium absorption (13). Anecdotal evidence suggests that other symptoms of bergamot toxicity may include cramps in the hands and legs, burning sensations, muscle twitches, and even blurry vision. Is green tea better than Earl Grey tea? Yes, green tea is a better choice compared to Earl Grey tea. Earl Grey tea approximately has 30-65 mg of caffeine, whereas green tea contains around 10-25 mg of caffeine. However, both these have their own health benefits, and it is up to the individual what they choose. Is Earl Grey tea acidic or alkaline? Earl grey tea is acidic. Its pH is nearly around 4.5. Is Earl Grey tea considered black tea? Yes, Earl Grey tea is typically black tea that is flavored with bergamot essential oil.
