Is Black Tea Acidic or Alkaline?
Black tea is a tasty and popular beverage consumed daily by many across the world. While it is known to provide health benefits, one of the key questions is whether black tea is acidic or alkaline.
pH Measurements of Black Tea
The acidity and alkalinity of a food or drink is measured using the pH scale. Generally speaking, anything with a pH below 7 is acidic and anything with a pH above 7 is alkaline.
The pH of a typical cup of black tea is usually around 6.91 – 6.98. This means that black tea is slightly acidic, but closer to neutral than it is to alkaline.
Reasons for the Low Acidity
The low acidity of black tea is due to a variety of factors. Polyphenols are the main contributor, as they are naturally acidic and tend to react with the water while brewing.
Black tea also contains components that have an alkaline effect, such as tannic acid and carbonates. These substances counteract the acidity of the polyphenols and help to keep the overall pH close to neutral.
Benefits of Low Acidic Contents
The low acidic content of black tea makes it more suitable for consumption than drinks with a higher pH. Foods and drinks with a higher pH can cause a range of digestive issues, such as stomach aches, nausea, and acid reflux.
In addition, those with sensitive stomachs or those with acid reflux may find black tea easier to drink.
Is Black Tea Good For Your Health?
The low acidic content of black tea makes it easier on the stomach but that does not mean it is good for your health in its pure form. Many people like to add milk, honey, or sugar to their teas, which can raise or lower the pH levels again.
However, research has shown that black tea does provide various health benefits, including:
- Improving Heart Health – Studies have shown that black tea can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, helping to protect your heart.
- Reducing Blood Sugar – Black tea can help reduce blood sugar levels, helping to prevent diabetes.
- Boosting Energy – The amount of caffeine in black tea makes it a great pick-me-up.
- Improving Bone Health – Black tea consumption can help protect your bones against age-related degeneration.
Conclusion
Black tea is slightly acidic in its raw form, with a pH usually in the 6.9–6.98 range. This is due to the presence of acidic compounds such as polyphenols, which are then balanced out by alkaline compounds, such as tannic acid and carbonates.
The low acidic content of black tea makes it easier on the stomach, and research has also shown that it can provide various health benefits.
