Assam tea is a particular type of black tea known for its rich, malty flavor. It has several potential benefits, such as promoting brain health and supporting immune function.
Other than water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world.
Assam tea is a variety of black tea made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica. It’s traditionally grown in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world.
Read on to earn more Assam tea, including its health benefits, potential downsides, and preparation methods.
What is Assam tea?
Assam tea is often described as having a malty flavor and a rich, savory aroma. These distinct features are typically attributed to the tea’s unique production process.
Because of its naturally high caffeine content, Assam tea is frequently marketed as a breakfast tea. Many Irish and English breakfast teas use Assam or a blend that includes it.
After fresh Assam tea leaves are harvested, they undergo an oxidation process, also known as fermentation. This process stimulates chemical changes in the leaves, resulting in the unique flavors, color, and plant compounds that are characteristic of Assam tea.
Potential health benefits of Assam tea
Research suggests that Assam tea’s rich supply of plant compounds may promote health in a number of ways.
Boasts many antioxidants
Black teas like Assam contain several unique plant compounds, including theaflavins, thearubigins, and catechins, which function as antioxidants in your body and may play a role in disease prevention.
Your body naturally produces highly reactive chemicals called free radicals. When too many accumulate, they can damage your tissues and contribute to disease and accelerated aging.
The antioxidants in black tea may counteract the negative effects of free radicals, protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.
Many experts believe that these compounds give black tea its health-promoting qualities.
May support immune function
Early research suggests that the polyphenolic compounds in black tea may function like prebiotics in your digestive tract.
Prebiotics are compounds found in various foods that support the growth and maintenance of healthy bacteria in your gut. A thriving community of healthy gut bacteria is an essential component of proper immune function because it fights harmful bacteria that can potentially make you sick.
That said, insufficient evidence exists on the link between black tea and immunity. More research is needed.
May have anticancer effects
Several test-tube and animal studies note that various black tea compounds may slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Additionally, a small body of research in humans has observed associations between black tea intake and a reduced risk of certain cancers, including oral cancer.
Although this data is promising, larger, comprehensive human studies are needed to determine whether black tea can be used for cancer prevention or treatment.
May promote brain health
Early research suggests that certain compounds in black tea, such as theaflavins, may help manage symptoms of degenerative brain illnesses.
A 2019 test-tube study revealed that black tea compounds inhibited the function of certain enzymes responsible for the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Although encouraging, this study is one of the first of its kind. More research is needed to better understand black tea’s role in supporting healthy brain function.
Potential downsides
Although Assam tea makes for a healthy beverage for most people, it may not be appropriate for everyone.
Caffeine content
Assam tea is a caffeinated beverage. For most people, consuming up to 400 micrograms of caffeine per day is not associated with adverse health effects. However, excessive intake could lead to negative symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and insomnia.
If you’re pregnant, it’s suggested to limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day.
If you’re unsure whether caffeine is appropriate for your lifestyle, consider talking with a medical professional before adding Assam tea to your routine.
Reduced iron absorption
Assam tea may reduce iron absorption due to its particularly high levels of tannins. These compounds give black tea its naturally bitter flavor.
Research indicates that tannins bind with iron in your food, potentially rendering it unavailable for digestion. This reaction affects your absorption of plant-based iron sources much more than it does animal sources.
While this isn’t a major concern for most healthy individuals, it may be best for people with low iron levels to avoid black tea at meal times or with iron supplements.
Heavy metals
Tea frequently contains heavy metals, such as aluminum, although the amount present in any given tea is highly variable.
Excessive aluminum intake may contribute to bone loss and neurological damage, especially for people with kidney disease.
However, tea consumption is not generally associated with aluminum toxicity. It remains unclear precisely how much aluminum is absorbed when tea is consumed.
As a precaution, it’s best to practice moderation and avoid excessive consumption of Assam tea.
How to make Assam tea
Assam tea is very simple to make. All you need is tea, hot water, and a mug.
Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive and widely available. You can find it in tea shops, local grocery stores, or online. Make sure to choose a high quality brand, as these usually boast a greater concentration of beneficial compounds.
Assam may be sold in loose-leaf form or pre-portioned tea bags. If you buy loose-leaf, aim for about 1 teaspoon (around 2 grams) of tea per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water.
First, boil water and let it cool for 10–20 seconds before pouring it over the tea. Allow it to steep for about two minutes, or according to the package instructions.
Take care not to over-steep, as this will produce a very bitter flavor.
For optimal health, Assam tea should be consumed without any added ingredients. If you prefer to add a bit of milk or sugar, just be careful not to spoon in too much sweetener.
The bottom line
Assam tea is a popular type of black tea grown in the Indian state of Assam.
This flavorful tea boasts a rich supply of plant compounds that may boost immunity, as well as brain health. That said, its caffeine content may not be appropriate for everyone.
If you’re interested in trying Assam tea, make sure to choose a high-quality product for maximum benefit.