Earl Grey tea may offer more than a pleasant afternoon drink, according to a report published by Health, which said the tea is a source of antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress. The outlet said studies have linked its consumption to potential benefits for heart and cognitive health.
Earl Grey is made by blending black tea leaves with bergamot oil, which is extracted from the bergamot, a citrus fruit that gives the drink its distinctive aroma and flavor. The tea has a light, sweet, citrus taste and can be drunk plain or with milk and sweeteners such as honey, according to a study on the enzymatic oxidation of tea catechins cited in the report.
Black tea is generally considered safe for most people. However, the report noted that consuming more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day can cause nervousness, a rapid heartbeat and insomnia, and that excessive amounts of bergamot oil can also carry unwanted effects. Despite this, Health said Earl Grey can still fit into a balanced diet and support healthy habits, and it listed four main benefits of the tea.
Antioxidants that fight cell damage
Like other types of black tea, Earl Grey contains antioxidants that neutralize highly reactive molecules known as free radicals, according to a study on the molecular evidence for the health benefits of black tea cited in the report. Free radicals can cause cell damage known as oxidative stress, which can lead to inflammation and raise the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Black tea contains beneficial polyphenols, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate, theaflavins and thearubigins, and is also a source of tea polysaccharides, which are antioxidant carbohydrates.
Lower risk of certain diseases
Regular consumption of black tea may lower the risk of conditions including depression, heart disease and some cancers, the report said.
A 2023 meta-analysis covering more than two million people found that women who drank black tea daily had a lower risk of ovarian cancer. People who drink black tea may also have a lower risk of oral cancer, with antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, potentially protecting against oxidative damage and boosting the body's antioxidant defenses.
Earl Grey may also help lower risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, with regular black tea consumption potentially lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. People who regularly drink black tea may also have a lower risk of heart failure and stroke.
People who drink more than one cup of black tea a day may have a lower risk of depression, which the report said could be linked to the caffeine and L-theanine in tea, both of which can raise levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
Better exercise performance
A cup of black tea contains an average of about 47 milligrams of caffeine, a little more than half the amount found in a cup of coffee, according to the report. Caffeine can raise energy levels and improve physical performance, including endurance and strength.
Protection for cognitive health
Drinking black tea has also been linked to a lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The report cited a meta-analysis of tea consumption and dementia risk, which found that the caffeine in tea has neuroprotective properties, meaning it helps protect the brain. Caffeinated drinks, including black tea, may also improve short-term cognitive functions such as processing speed and memory.
Other tea research
The report noted that dietitians have previously named eight types of tea said to fight inflammation, with experts saying a simple cup of tea can be a straightforward and enjoyable way to support health, since tea leaves contain beneficial compounds. Specialists have also identified which teas may help with headaches and which may make them worse, noting that certain components in tea can trigger headaches, particularly in people with heightened individual sensitivity to them.
