What You Need to Know About Tea
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Tea is one of the most common beverages on the planet. It is consumed by many people all around the globe. People from different parts of the world consume different varieties of tea on the basis of availability and suitability.
A cup of tea that is a part of your daily life has a rich history and several health benefits. Before diving into the world of tea, a small tip so that you don’t embarrass yourself in front of your friends and colleagues by saying chai tea. It’s called chai or tea and not chai tea. Tea is called chai in India.
Tea is primarily categorized on the basis of the level of oxidation it has gone through. Oxidation is the process of converting tea plant Camellia sinensis to dried leaves. The process helps achieve the flavor of the final product. White tea is lightly oxidized, green tea is less oxidized, and black tea is heavily oxidized to get the required flavor.
History of Tea
As you look into the history of tea, it has been known in China since 2700 B.C. Tea was initially introduced as a beverage for its medicinal properties. However, by the third century A.D., tea became a part of daily life.
The discovery of tea as a beverage was accidental, according to a popular Chinese legend. Once upon a time, Emperor Shen Nong was having boiled water in his garden when he found that his water was infused with wild tea leaves as they fell into it. Tea leaves made his drink more refreshing and enjoyable. Thus, the emperor decided to research further about the properties of tea leaves.
It is difficult to find the exact point of origin of tea because different parts of the world have different popular legends associated with it. However, it is well known that tea is a popular beverage across the globe, and many people need their cup of tea to start the day.
What Is the Difference Between Tea and Coffee?
Although tea and coffee are commonly consumed by many people all over the world as a refreshment drink, they are two different types of beverages. In fact, coffee was discovered much later than tea, in 674 A.D.
As we delve deeper into the scientific difference between tea and coffee, they belong to the same evergreen family. Both tea and coffee need to be grown in particular conditions for a certain type of flavor. Both drinks have stimulating chemical caffeine present in them. The tea leaves and coffee beans must be dried before they are ready to be used.
Tea is composed of elements like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, catechin, tannin, and polysaccharides. The catechin and tannin present in tea can potentially reduce the risk of cancer. Coffee contains caffeine, amino acids, carbohydrates, chlorogenic acid, phenolic acid, trigonelline, ketones, organic acid aldehydes, ester amines, and mercaptans. The oxidants present in coffee are also beneficial for health and fighting ailments.
What Is the Proper Way to Store Tea?
While it may seem that tea is not a luxury that needs to be stored in a particular way in a distinct container, it needs to be stored properly to retain its freshness for a prolonged duration. The exposure of dried tea leaves to moisture, light, heat, and air can affect their freshness. So, it is crucial to store tea in a cool and dark place inside an airtight and opaque container. Also, tea should be stored away from sunlight.
What Are the Different Types of Tea?
A wide variety of teas is available for different consumers with vastly different tastes and preferences. The botanical name for the tea plant is Camellia sinensis, and the different types of tea acquire their unique taste and character through the different methods of harvesting and processing. Let’s have a look at the different types of tea commonly found in the market.
Black tea - This is the most common type of tea consumed throughout the world. The amount of caffeine present in black tea is relatively high. Black tea has a robust flavor. The oxidation of tea leaves is the main reason behind their brownish-black color.
White tea - White tea goes through minimal processing and oxidation. It offers a lower amount of caffeine.
Oolong tea - This type of tea is partially oxidized. Taiwan and China are primary producers of oolong tea.
Green tea - A popular variety of tea for its renowned health benefits, green tea has lower caffeine levels.
Herbal tea - As the name suggests, this tea is composed of different herbs. Chamomile tea and peppermint tea are some varieties of herbal tea. Herbal teas offer medicinal properties, which is why people often drink tea with herbal infusions as remedies for various ailments.
Other teas - Matcha tea, purple tea, mate tea, rooibos tea, and Pu-erh tea are some other varieties of tea that you can try. There are many types of tea available for every kind of tea-drinking enthusiast with different properties and characteristics.
What Are the Health Benefits of Tea?
Many people enjoy drinking tea because of its taste and don't miss a chance to take a sip whenever they can. Tea has become part of the daily routine of millions. However, few are aware of the many health benefits of tea. Do you know that tea has the capability of protecting our teeth and is good for the heart? Let’s sip on a few more health benefits of tea.
Tea contains antioxidants that work to keep your body young, fit, and healthy. Antioxidants also protect our bodies and fight against the damage caused by pollution. Tea is considered to be a better option for someone who is addicted to coffee because tea has less caffeine compared to a few cups of coffee. Less caffeine content won't harshly impact the nervous system.
Many studies have also shown that tea may assist in weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent bone loss. Besides all these health benefits, tea may reduce the risk of cancer.
Add herbal and black tea to your next tea party and tell everyone about its benefits. You might even be able to convert those who drink coffee to switch their hot beverage of choice.
Be Mindful With a Cup of Tea
Tea has always been associated with meditation; you can’t keep these two things apart. Practicing meditation every day may resolve multiple health and mental issues. The concentrative form of meditation is called mindfulness, which can be practiced anytime and anywhere; this reduces stress and balances blood pressure levels.
Being mindful while making tea is one such activity that can refresh your mind and bring energy to your body. Tea mindfulness can be done by following simple steps such as choosing the cup according to your mood, listening to the kettle boiling, watching the tea changing its color, and concentrating on every change happening with the tea. This will increase your love of tea as well.
Come, Have a Cup of Tea
Understanding the diverse world of tea can enhance your appreciation of its unique health benefits and contribute positively to your well-being. Various types of teas have been linked to a range of potential health advantages, offering potential support in areas such as antioxidant properties, relaxation, cardiovascular health, and more. Whether you're an avid tea enthusiast or an occasional tea drinker, delving into the specifics of your tea choices can help you maximize the advantages and make informed selections to align with your personal health goals.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.