Ceylon tea is basically a popular variety of tea from Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon. Hence the name.
Before Sri Lanka was given independence (1972) from the British rule, the island was known as Ceylon.
In 1824 the British people brought in the seeds of the original plant from China and cultivated it in the island. In time the farmers ventured into tea cultivation for economic gains. It was a Scottish man, James Taylor who first successfully shipped Ceylon tea to England. Soon Sri Lanka became one of the largest tea producers in the world.
Ceylon tea is produced from either processed black, white, or green tea leaves, Camellia sinensis.
Ceylon tea is famous among tea lovers due to its superior quality of aroma, flavor, and taste. There are 7 Ceylon tea districts in Sri Lanka, each with a unique variety of Ceylon tea. Based on the varying climatic conditions, altitudes, and oxidation process each region namely Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula, Kandy, Uda Pussellawa, Ruhuna, and Sabaragamuwa produce different varieties of Ceylon tea. The fragrance and flavor range from floral, tangy, to caramel and golden-orange to pinkish hue.
Clinical research and anecdotal evidence suggest numerous therapeutic benefits of Ceylon tea.
Ceylon tea has a high concentration of beneficial phytochemicals or polyphenols such as flavonoids, tannins, kaempferol, catechins, myricetin, and quercetin. Ceylon tea also contains a low level of caffeine and minerals such as chromium, cobalt, manganese, and magnesium.
Science has confirmed the anti-aging, anti-cancer, antioxidant, cardiovascular, immune-boosting, and metabolizing effects of these components. [3] The benefits of ceylon tea is similar to black tea and green tea.
Read on to learn some evidence supported health benefits of ceylon tea.
1. Ceylon Tea Has Anti-Cancer Effects.
The polyphenols in ceylon tea especially catechins has potential anti-cancer effects. Numerous animal studies have shown inhibitory activities of tea polyphenols against lung, oral esophagus, stomach, intestine, colon, skin, prostate, breast, liver, bladder, pancreas and thyroid cancers. [4, 5, 6, 7]
A 2011 study in the Pharmacological Research journal reports the anti-cancer effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis Theaceae) polyphenols. The tea extracts had kill cancerous cell, (apoptosis), and suppress cell proliferation or growth.
However, the Journal of Zhejiang University Science B reports that tea chemical constituents have inconsistent and conflicting cancer-preventive results in humans.
The researchers suggest for more clinical studies into the cancer-preventing effects of tea constituents on humans.
2. Ceylon Tea May Help with Weight Loss Plan.
Obesity is one of the primary reasons for developing many chronic diseases.
Scientific studies claim that tea may help burn excess fat and help with weight loss plan.
In a 2016 comparative study, black tea polyphenols proved to be more effective than green tea polyphenols in reducing body weight.
In the study, black tea could block the absorption of fat and reduce calories intake of the body. Moreover, some components of black tea polyphenols could break down fat cells and inhibit the accumulation of fat in the body.
In another 2007 Japanese study at Health Care Food Research Laboratories, green tea catechins could reduce body fat, weight, waist and hip circumference among the participants. [7]
A 2014 study conducted in The Pennsylvania State University showed the efficacy of hot tea consumption could prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and lower the waist circumference in men.
3. Ceylon Tea Can Prevent Heart Diseases.
Drinking different varieties of Ceylon tea may have significant beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Researchers suggest daily consumption of 69–657 mg or 2-6 cups of tea is good for heart health.
A 2011 study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health investigated the effects of caffeine intake in the mortality rate among cardiovascular patients.
The study was conducted among 76,979 Japanese men and women. Daily consumption of 6 cups of tea could reduce the risk of mortality rate by 38% and 22% respectively in men and women.
Both green and black tea can prevent the risk of stroke and coronary heart diseases by 10-20%.
Moreover, the polyphenols in tea can reduce the level of total cholesterol, especially LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
4. Ceylon Tea Can Control and Prevent the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes.
Researchers have found promising results of regular tea consumption in decreasing the risks of type-2 diabetes.
Numerous research studies confirm the beneficial effects of black tea in regulating blood sugar level in type-2 diabetes patients.
Data from 18 research studies between 1966 – 2009 (information of 457 922 participants) show the diabetes preventive effects of higher consumption of coffee and tea.
A 2006 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that consumption of green tea could result in 33% reduced risk of type-2 diabetes in 17,413 Japanese persons.
Both green tea and black tea can lower blood sugar levels and insulin hormone in diabetic and prediabetic individuals. [9,10]
5. Ceylon Tea May Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases.
About 26 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease all over the world. Other prevalent neurodegenerative diseases include Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects the mental performance and cognition of the patients.
Researchers at the Newcastle University, UK suggests the potential benefits of tea polyphenols in improving the memory function and cognitive ability in animals and humans.
The study claims that black and green tea may be an effective treatment option to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Ceylon Tea- Potential Side Effects
A moderate amount of Ceylon tea consumption is safe and healthy.
However, a high level of total caffeine intake may cause adverse effects such as insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, and stomach problems. [20]
Depending on varieties one cup of Ceylon tea contains 14–61 mg of caffeine. That’s why you should always keep a check on your total caffeine intake in a day by limiting tea consumptions.
Pregnant women should not consume more than 200 mg. Caffeine a day. Crossing this limit may increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. [21, 22]
If you are under antibiotic and heart medications, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to learn the proper dosage of ceylon tea a day.
Bottom Line
Ceylon is a popular variety of tea produced in Sri Lanka. It is known for its exotic taste, superior color, aroma, and flavor.
The health benefits of ceylon tea are due to its potent tea polyphenols. The tea may be an effective remedy for preventing heart diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and help you lose weight.
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