If you thought that a bright, citrusy cup of tea could not get any better, there are actually many Earl Grey tea benefits you may not be aware of.
Beyond the black tea itself, Earl Grey contains a unique secondary ingredient that enhances both its flavour and its health profile. Together, these components are responsible for many of the benefits of drinking Earl Grey tea, making it far more than just a fragrant classic.
In this guide, we will take a deep dive into the benefits of Earl Grey tea, explain the science behind them, and uncover why this tea continues to be enjoyed around the world.
Earl Grey tea benefits at a glance
Earl Grey is far more than a fragrant classic; it is a functional blend driven by two key compounds: black tea leaves and bergamot essential oil.
These bioactives work in synergy to provide an energy recharge through the balanced combination of caffeine and L theanine, while offering a hydration advantage due to high potassium levels.
The tea further promotes sensational mood improvement through bergamot aromatherapy effects and supports immune defense with a potent dose of Vitamin C and polyphenols.
Beyond mental clarity and immunity, Earl Grey helps in kicking out cholesterol by balancing LDL and HDL levels and maintains a heart healthy habit by supporting cardiovascular markers.
It also aids in weight loss by accelerating fat oxidation, ensures dental health by inhibiting plaque forming bacteria, and delivers a concentrated dose of antioxidants to neutralize oxidative stress.
In the following sections, we will break down the science behind these technical components step by step to show exactly how they transform your health.
2 Key Ingredients for Total Wellness
These benefits come from 2 main ingredients, the black tea leaves and another secret ingredient only found in Earl Grey.
Black Tea Leaves
The main ingredient responsible for the Earl Grey tea health benefits is the black tea leaves themselves. These typically come from India, Sri Lanka or China and they are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds to support health.
If you want to explore how different teas compare in terms of flavour, processing, and health benefits, our guide to types of green tea breaks it all down in a simple, easy to follow way.
The Citrusy Secret: Bergamot Oil
There is, however, another ingredient that makes Earl Grey unique in the world of tea and that is bergamot. This is a citrus fruit grown primarily in Italy, and it is used to flavor the tea leaves to give them their trademark floral and citrus lift.
Since bergamot plays such a central role, many people wonder how it actually affects the flavour. We explore this in depth in our article on what does Earl Grey tea taste like, covering its citrus, floral, and aromatic notes.
Although this bergamot is only used in small quantities, it is responsible for some of the benefits of Earl Grey tea. The aroma alone can help improve mood and the additional citrus oil increases the Vitamin C content in the tea.
The 10 Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
#1 Energy Recharge
If you find yourself in an afternoon slump, a strong cup of Earl Grey may be enough to revive you from the dead. Earl Grey contains between 40 to 70 mg of caffeine per serving. While this is low compared to coffee, it is a good way to start your day.
In addition to caffeine, tea has something big that coffee will never have which is L theanine. If caffeine sensitivity is a concern for you, it helps to understand exactly how stimulating this tea is. We break this down in detail in our guide on does Earl Grey have caffeine, including how it compares to coffee and other teas.
This amino acid helps to buffer some of the negative side effects of caffeine, creating a calm, alert energy throughout the day.
This amino acid is highest in gyokuro and ceremonial matcha, but you still can find smaller amounts in Earl Grey.
#2 The Hydration Advantage
One Earl Grey benefit coffee cannot quite match is the hydration factor. Coffee can also be dehydrating for the body, whereas Earl Grey can actually have the opposite effect. The high potassium content helps balance water content in the body.
For those looking for a comforting, low-stimulation option, Genmaicha Popcorn offers a roasted flavour profile with gentle caffeine, making it easy to enjoy throughout the day.
Although there are benefits of Earl Grey for hydration, you have to be careful not to overconsume it. Excessive amounts can counteract the hydration effect as the bergaptene in the bergamot oil blocks the potassium channel.
If hydration is one of your main priorities, you may also enjoy roasted Japanese teas. For example, Genmaicha is known for its gentle profile and low stimulation, which we explain in our guide on genmaicha tea benefits.
#3 Sensational Mood Improvement
The aroma of Earl Grey is truly sensational, and it is one of the many Earl Grey benefits. The bergamot oil can act as a natural aromatherapy, and a study conducted in Japan showed that this citrus scent reduced feelings of anxiety.
Further studies showed that bergamot oil also encourages the brain to release serotonin and dopamine, which can relieve feelings of anxiety.
The L-theanine can also lead to decreases in anxiety, and if you want to learn more about this amino acid, you can read this article here 👉 What is L-theanine Good For? More Than You Might Think
#4 Vitamin C
Feeling a little under the weather? The inclusion of citrus peels and the bright and zesty moods of bergamot oil also bring that delicious dose of Vitamin C that is so important during flu and cold seasons.
Studies have shown that the citrus species of bergamot have beneficial effects when it comes to fending off free radicals, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
#5 Kicking Out Cholesterol
Tell your LDL cholesterol it is going to have to find a new place to crash. A study done by the University of Calabria in Italy found promising results that support the benefits of Earl Grey beyond just the tea leaves.
The researchers looked at the effects of bergamot extract on rats with high cholesterol levels.
It was found that the bergamot extract helped lower LDL cholesterol and raised HDL cholesterol.
#6 Heart-Healthy Habit
Earl Grey is the tea that loves you back, and heart health is one of the most important Earl Grey tea benefits.
A randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that drinking three cups of black tea daily for six months significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
#7 Antioxidants
Free radicals beware, there is a new sheriff in town.
Like all true teas coming from the camellia sinensis plant, the leaves of Earl Grey are packed with antioxidants.
Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect your body cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Unstable molecules are produced naturally through breathing, digestion, exercise, and by external factors such as pollution, UV rays, smoking, and stress.
While Earl Grey contains powerful antioxidants, green teas are especially well known for their polyphenol content. You can explore this further in our complete guide to green tea benefits.
EGCG, ECG, EGC and EC
The most abundant antioxidants in Earl Grey are catechins like EGCG.
These mighty plant compounds help neutralize oxidative stress in the body, supporting everything from heart health to glowing skin.
Catechins are further broken down into EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), ECG (Epicatechin gallate), EGC (Epigallocatechin) and EC (Epicatechin).
But not all teas have the same amount of antioxidants, and you might be surprised which one comes out on top!
If you want to find out which tea contains the highest EGCG levels, you can read our article 👉 The Green Tea with Highest EGCG
#8 Weight Loss
Ready to tip the scale on weight loss? Some of the most potent Earl Grey benefits are related to the catechins in the tea leaves, and these can help accelerate fat oxidation.
A randomized controlled study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea catechins significantly increased fat oxidation rates by 17% compared to placebo, supporting their role in enhancing fat metabolism.
#9 Dental Health
If the built-in aromatherapy wasn’t enough to make you smile, whiter teeth might be one of the many benefits of Earl Grey tea.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that black tea polyphenols significantly inhibit plaque-forming bacteria and reduce acid production, helping to protect tooth enamel and support a brighter, healthier smile.
#10 Immune Support
A cup a day may keep the doctor away! Immune support is one of the many Earl Grey tea benefits.
A review published in The Journal of Nutrition found that tea polyphenols enhance immune cell activity and exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties, supporting overall immune function.
If you really feel a cold or flu coming on, you’ll want to upgrade to some heavy duty teas. If you want to find the best, you can read our article 👉 The Ultimate Guide for Cold and Flu Tea
The Final Verdict
There are many benefits of Earl Grey tea beyond its bright citrus flavour. Like all teas, the leaves are packed with antioxidants, caffeine, theanine, and vitamins.
Earl Grey is also inexpensive and widely available, making these benefits accessible to almost everyone.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the benefits of Earl Grey tea.
