Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavoured with delicious bergamot oil, which gives it a fragrant citrus taste.
There are a lot of rumours concerning how Earl Grey tea came to be, with an assortment of families claiming that the delicious brew originated from their own ancestors.
The most popular belief about Earl Grey is the legend of Charles Grey, who apparently saved the life of a drawing Chinese man and was gifted tea in return. He then took the tea to England, where it became popular.
No matter how the tea got over here and how it grew in popularity, we are just grateful that it did.
Thanks to whichever legend you believe, we have access to a delicious, warming tea millions enjoy daily. At Leaf, Earl Grey is one of our most popular cups of tea, and there really is no wonder why.
In this blog, we will jump right into what Earl Grey is and some of the Earl Grey tea benefits you can expect when enjoying this tasty drink.
What is Earl Grey Tea?
There has always been an air of mystery concerning exactly what Earl Grey is. It’s actually quite simple: Earl Grey is a combination of bergamot and black tea leaves, and is a deliciously flavoured tea.
This means that Earl Grey is, in fact, a flavoured tea rather than its own category of tea.
Fun fact, right?
How Does Earl Grey Differ From Other Teas?
One of the main ways that Earl Grey differs from other teas is through its distinct flavour. As previously mentioned, it is flavoured with bergamot oil, which gives it its distinct citrus aroma and flavour.
Studies have shown that Earl Grey tea comes with a whole host of health benefits, and here are just some of them;
Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea is not only delicious, but it has a lot of health benefits that make it well worth introducing into your day-to-day routine.
Rich in Antioxidants
Earl Grey is black tea-based and is considered to be incredibly rich in antioxidants. Black tea contains both polyphenols and flavonoids, which act as potent anti-oxidants that can protect against oxidative stress in the body.
The bergamot oil in Earl Grey tea contains antioxidant properties that provide anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly useful for those with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Supports Heart Health
The bergamot found in Earl Grey tea is an incredible tool for reducing the risks of cholesterol and inflammation, improving blood flow, and supporting against heart disease.
Earl Grey contains enzymes that both lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. The reduction of this bad cholesterol is significant for improving heart health and living a longer and healthier life.
Boosts Digestion
Earl Grey has been proven to help with digestion. Earl Grey contains a moderate amount of caffeine in it. Caffeine, as we know, can help move digestion along and help with issues such as constipation.
Earl Grey tea’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can be very helpful in addressing issues like acid reflux. The flavonoids present in the tea may assist in reducing inflammation in individuals with stomach ulcers.
Natural Energy Boost
Early grey contains caffeine, which comes from its black tea base. A common question that people have concerning the drink is whether Earl Grey black tea has caffeine in it.
An average cup of Earl Grey contains around 50mg of caffeine content, which is considerably less than your standard cup of coffee, which contains around 80mg of caffeine.
This means that when you drink Earl Grey, you still have an energy boost but without the jitters that you may experience after enjoying a cup of coffee. Drinking a delicious cup of Earl Grey is a great way to boost your energy if you wake up with low energy, making it a perfect start to your day.
Supports Immune Function
We keep coming back to the bergamot oil found in Earl Grey, but it really is the ingredient that gives these delicious cups of tea the upper hand.
Because the bergamot in Earl Grey contains natural antioxidants and Vitamin C, it naturally improves your health. Not only is this drink incredibly tasty, but it is one of our favourite immune system-boosting teas.
Boosts Your Mood
If you have any knowledge of aromatherapy, you will know that bergamot oil is commonly used for its mood-stabilising properties. Inhaling the scent of bergamot oil can help reduce anxiety and drastically ease stress, making it an excellent tool for relaxation.
If you are someone who experiences quite erratic moods, studies have shown that Earl Grey can actually help stabilise these moods and help with calming.
Now, it’s important to remember that we are not saying that Earl Grey will fix all your issues, but it can certainly help in times when you feel as though you need additional support to calm down.
Improved Metabolism
There is evidence that suggests that Earl Grey tea may improve your metabolism. Once again, the magic ingredient we all love is a big reason why Earl Grey can improve your metabolism- bergamot.
Many ask the question: does Earl Grey tea burn belly fat? Well, bergamot boosts your metabolic rate by promoting fat-burning and reducing cholesterol absorption in the stomach. When combined with exercise and healthy eating, Earl Grey tea can support weight management.
Because of these properties, enjoying a delicious cup of Earl Grey after dinner is becoming somewhat of a trend to boost digestion and stimulate metabolism.
Is Earl Grey Tea Healthier Than Green Tea?
For some reason, there has always been a lot of comparison between green and Earl Grey tea. It is important to remember that these two teas are very different and have their own benefits and health properties.
If we compare the two, it is true that green tea is generally considered to be the healthier of the two. However, there is a reason why green tea has developed its current reputation: it is widely considered one of the healthiest drinks in the world.
At Leaf, we highly recommend incorporating both teas into your diet, as their combination can significantly enhance your health.
Is it Ok to Drink Earl Grey Tea Every Day?
Like a lot of drinks, it is perfectly safe to drink Earl Grey every day as long as you consume it in moderation. It is generally recommended that you do not drink more than 2-4 cups a day, as the caffeine in the tea may have side effects such as insomnia or jitters.
If you exceed the suggested amount of Earl Grey, the bergamot oil found in Earl Grey may cause muscle cramps, so it is always suggested that you do not overconsume the tea if you are susceptible to cramping.
Much like other black teas, Earl Grey has been recorded to interfere with iron absorption, so if you are someone who struggles with anaemia or low iron levels, we would recommend keeping your consumption low.
Unlock The Power of Earl Grey With Leaf
Through this blog, we hope that we have clarified the health benefits of Earl Grey and covered all of the ways in which enjoying a delicious Earl Grey may benefit your health.
If you would like to learn more about the teas which can benefit your health, you can learn more on our website. Alternatively, you can browse our selection of delicious teas and find out more about their beneficial properties.
