Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular flavoured teas globally, valued for its unique taste and aroma. This refreshing drink is made by Infusing the citrusy essence of bergamot oil and blending black tea. This tea offers a distinctive flavour profile and potential health-benefiting traits. Some of the purposed health incentives of Earl Grey tea include enhanced heart and gut health. This tea has been relished across the world for more than hundreds of years.

Read this article to get an overview of Earl grey tea's nutrition, benefits, and potential side effects.

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What Is Earl Grey Tea?

Earl grey tea is prepared from black tea leaves and fruit of citrus bergamia. Generally, the tea leaves are sprayed with bergamot essential oil or extract or blended with bergamot rinds, thus rendering the tea a mild citrus-like taste and flavour.

As it received its nickname from the British Prime Minister Earl Grey, bergamot tea is believed English. However, it is indigenous to Southeast Asia and widely harvested in Italy. Bergamot tea is readily available in grocery stores, with or without caffeine and is also paired with other ingredients and flavourings. The plant compounds are bestowed with potent nutrients that offer several health benefits.

Also Read: Types Of Tea: Your Ultimate Guide For The Best Brew and Incredible Goodness

Nutritional Profile

Earl Grey tea is low in calories and packed with powerful antioxidants.  The nutritional components present in 1 cup of plain tea:

Calories: 2-5

Caffeine: 40-70 mg

Rich in polyphenols catechins and theaflavins

Contains trace amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium

Bergamot oil contains beneficial compounds like linalool and limonene.

Health Benefits

Rich in Antioxidants

The goodness of polyphenols such as flavonoids - neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin and naringin in Earl Grey tea combat oxidative stress, and averts the damage to healthy cells. This drink aids in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Aside from this, black tea contains several antioxidants like catechins, which support augmenting your overall health.

Heart Health

Bergamot contains bioactive compounds that lower cholesterol levels, while black tea is known to reduce blood pressure. Specifically, bergamot contains flavanones that inhibit enzymes that produce cholesterol in the system.

Improves Digestion

The flavonoids in bergamot tea may help fight inflammation related to digestive woes. In addition, black tea contains theaflavins can help avert and treat stomach ulcers reduce bloating and promote gut health.

Boosts Mental Alertness

Earl grey tea contains minimal amounts of caffeine, which can improve focus and mental clarity without causing jitters.

Weight Management

Catechins in the tea can enhance fat oxidation and boost metabolism. Having this tea can help you burn fat and shed surplus fat.

Also Read: Oolong Tea: 7 Astonishing Health Incentives Of Having This Healthy Beverage

Stress Relief

The natural calming effect of bergamot oil possesses stress-reducing qualities, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.

How to Make Earl Grey Tea?

Making the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea is a simple and easy process:

Ingredients

1 Earl Grey tea bag or powder

1 cup of hot water

Milk, honey, or lemon - optional

Method

Heat the water over the tea bag or leaves in a teapot or cup.

Steep for 3-5 minutes.

Take the tea bag or strain the leaves

Add milk, honey, or lemon for extra flavour, if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing cup of Earl Grey tea!

Potential Side Effects

Though Earl Grey tea has numerous benefits, excessive consumption may cause:

Overconsumption can lead to insomnia, headaches, or jitteriness.

Tannins in black tea may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods.

Consuming large quantities of bergamot oil could cause muscle cramps, photosensitivity, or potassium imbalance.

Some individuals may experience allergic responses to bergamot oil.

Conclusion

When consumed in moderation, Earl Grey tea can be a flavourful and health-boosting beverage. Its antioxidant properties, mental benefits, and calming effects make it an excellent choice for tea lovers. However, like any caffeinated drink, it’s essential to enjoy it mindfully to avoid potential side effects.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Molecular evidences of health benefits of drinking black tea

Zafar Rasheed 1,

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6512146/

Contribution of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) to recommended daily intake of Mg, Mn, and Fe: An in vitro bioaccessibility assessment

Author links open overlay panel

Umran Seven Erdemir

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157518300450