Tea is a drink that can be comfortably described as warm, nutritious and a soul soother. Native to China and East Asia, this herb has gained its reputation both culinarily and medicinally. Tea has become so versatile and popular that no social event can be planned without it. Being a tea enthusiast myself, and coming from a family of tea drinkers, this article is a tribute to all the people, friends and most importantly my family who have spent numerous hours together sharing stories, warmth, and sometimes their toughest hours over many cups of tea.
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. This super herb is a native of China, and traveled all the way to India which was then under the rule of imperial Britain, and from there to the rest of the world. Centuries ago and across generations this aromatic, medicinal and nutritional drink has successfully warmed people’s hearts, and hearths as well as their souls. Tea is versatile, aromatic and power pack of antioxidants. The acceptance and reach of tea has always been phenomenal irrespective of the national, racial and cultural boundaries, and therefore is the most preferred beverage in almost all parts of the world.
Tea can be as common and as sophisticated depending on the occasion and its consumers. People can be seen sipping this aromatic herb from plastic cups to fine china ware. From roadside tea stalls to exclusive cafes, tea has been the undisputed king of beverages. Therefore, the fact that tea can trigger emotions, prep business events, promote deals and energize political movements would be an understatement. In many cultures such as Japan, China, India and Britain tea is not only a preferred beverage, but also many spiritual, auspicious, and sophisticated social gatherings are planned around it. It must be pointed out that Japanese tea ceremonies are one of their kind and old age customs and traditions are followed while serving tea in most of the Japanese homes even today. In these cultures tea symbolizes socialization, custom, spirituality as well as glamorous reflection of one’s social status. In the subcontinent and Great Britain tea is a preferred drink for masses and elitist alike. English tea parties are quite a rage and have always taken a center stage as much among royals as among working class. In India, tea is commonly known as “Chai” and is the first drink that most Indians drink in the morning before starting their day. It’s a kind of jump starter for the rest of the day. It’s amusing but true, most of the Indian (subcontinent) weddings are planned over tea where both parties discuss their potentials and prospects. United States being a coffee drinking nation also has tea as preferred beverage; however, chilled variety is more popular than the hot version.
Quintessentially, tea is not only a drink but something more sublime and soothing at the same time invigorating to the senses. It certainly has the capacity to ignite passion, romance, wellness and bondage among its enthusiasts and regular drinkers. Its social impact is enormous and the positivity it creates among tea lovers is fascinating. I consider myself a tea enthusiast and have tried and brewed various kinds of teas from all across the world. For me tea stands for relaxation, togetherness, bonding, alertness and rejuvenation. It’s an elixir for the senses and therefore inseparable from me and my life style.
Apart from recognizing the social and ceremonial significance of tea, it is important to highlight its medicinal value and the effect it can have on certain types of cancers, blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, weight loss and cardiovascular health. There have been many studies, and population based researches that have shown tremendous progress, and many positive outcomes have been identified, that can be beneficial in controlling and minimizing the damages from those ailments. However, the studies are still in their preliminary stages and cannot be used to cure any of the above mentioned ailments solely by using tea. However, tea can be consumed any time of the day with or without sugar and milk, without much side effects.
There are six main varieties of tea: White, Green, Black, Herbal, Oolong and Aromatic. The difference is in how the teas are processed, combined and packed. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Each of these teas have its own medicinal and nutritional value which can help us in balancing and nourishing our physical and emotional health.
White tea: The most tender and young tea leaves are air dried to make it into white tea. White tea has mild flavors and are therefore very soothing to the senses. The caffeine concentration is less than black tea but are a great source of antioxidants, which is essential to fight free radicals in the body.
Health benefits: White tea is loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial in fighting hosts of diseases. According to some studies antioxidant rich white tea helps in maintaining cardiovascular health, fighting cancer as well as managing glucose levels in the body. These studies are in their preliminary phase but are very promising.
Black tea: This tea is most widely consumed tea in the world. It is dried and fermented and further crushed to make it into a black tea leaves. It has a maximum concentration of caffeine and also one of the most economical tea variety. It is mostly combined with milk and sugar to get the desired consistency and sweetness. This is also the most popular tea consumed by millions of people across the world.
Health benefits: Black tea is full of chemical compounds called polyphenols which helps in reducing cholesterol and reducing the risk of strokes.
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Green tea: This tea is gaining its popularity due to many studies done in recent times. Green tea is delicately flavored but slightly bitter tea. Its green color is maintained by quick heat treatment which stops the fermentation process. The Japanese “matcha” variety is one of the best green tea available in the market. It comes in leaf as well as powder form. Both varieties are super pack of antioxidants.
Health benefits: According to some studies, the consumption of four to five cups of green tea has an enormous potential to fight different cancers, control diabetes, lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss. The chemical Catechin is abundant in green tea which has cancer fighting abilities. However, these effects are not confirmed yet, and research is still ongoing.
Herbal Tea: Herbal tea is essentially not a tea for simply it does not contain any tea leaves. It is naturally caffeine free and is mostly made of dried fruits, flower petals and dried plant leaves. These teas are very soothing, mild as well as great for relaxation. These teas are also aromatic and sweet in some cases.
Health benefits: Herbal tea as the name suggests is used as herbal supplement and comes with great promise of healing and soothing the senses. Chamomile tea is used as a relaxant and it is believed to aid in sleep. Herbal tea is my personal favorite as it helps me relax and rejuvenate.
Oolong tea: This tea is very close to black tea but comes with richer flavor due to its shorter fermentation period. It also contains less caffeine compared to its black counterpart.
Health benefits: It may aid in weight loss. Oolong activates an enzyme responsible for dissolving triglycerides, the form of dietary fat that’s stored in fat cells. One study showed that women who drank Oolong tea burned slightly more calories over a two-hour period of exercise regime than those who drank only water.
Aromatic tea: In this category, aromatic extracts, such as cinnamon, orange peel, and lavender, are paired with black, green, or white tea leaves. The idea behind this tea is to enjoy the rich aroma of various teas combined with other herbs, spices, fruits and flowers.
Health benefits: Flavored teas have the same levels of antioxidants and the same health benefits as unflavored ones. Those flavored with super fruits such as blueberries, may contain even more antioxidants. However, tea consumed in its natural form is most potent and nutritious than when mixed with sugar and milk.
Tea has been in use for centuries by humans and therefore is here to stay due to its healthy goodness and heartwarming appeal. Its medicinal and social significance will remain or even increase in the days, and years to come due to its various recreational uses. This wonderful herb from the east is gaining its ground in the west rapidly due to number of ongoing research and studies centered around it. Certainly, a warm, aromatic cup of tea is what we all need after a long day’s work. When emotions tend to run dry, and hearts are colder than it should, a warm cup of this nutritious goodness can be truly invigorating for the souls and the senses. The medicinal properties of tea combined with its social significance has catapulted it to star among beverages, and would remain so for as long as there are tea lovers, enthusiasts, and regular consumers looking out for warm comfort through a warm drink.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. For any medical use please consult your medical practitioner.
