Black Tea
Sustained Energy & Mental Alertness
• Caffeine + L-theanine: Less L-theanine than green, but still present. Strong focus, confident energy
• Theaflavins studied for improved attention + alertness. Less crash than coffee due to slower absorption
Heart & Circulatory Health
• Theaflavins + flavonoids linked to healthy cholesterol + blood vessel function in multiple studies
• Research suggests 3+ cups daily associated with cardiovascular support in large population studies
Gut Health & Immunity
• Antimicrobial polyphenols: Thearubigins studied for gut microbiome balance + oral health
• Warming + astringent: Dries dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Good for sluggish digestion
Stress Response & Focus
• L-theanine still present: Modulates caffeine. Calm focus vs anxious buzz
How to Brew at Cassio
Water: 212°F — boiling. Black tea needs heat to fully extract
Steep: 3-5 min. No shame in strong tea. Milk + sugar traditional, but taste it straight first
Vibe: Heavy mug, sturdy. Morning, midday, rain. This is work tea + ancestor tea