The frequent “chai-chai” call at the railway stations and tea stalls in every nook and cranny of the country, to the classy tea parlours, tea has found its lover in every place and in every person. Be it summers or winters, Indians love their chai (tea), in all seasons. It has been a long journey for tea, from being used as a medicine in 18th-19th century, to becoming an essential part of people’s daily life.
Types of teas and their benefits:
Black tea – It is the most common of all the teas. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are typically rolled and fermented, then dried and crushed. It is slightly bitter in taste and contains the most caffeine – about 40 milligrams per cup.
Benefit: Helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
Green tea – It has a more delicate flavour as compared to black tea. The leaves are dried and heat-treated soon after they’re picked, which stops the fermentation process. It contains about 25 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Benefit: It contains anti-oxidants called Catechins, which helps in warding off everything from cancer to heart disease. It also helps with weight loss.
Oolong tea – It is similar to black tea but it is fermented for shorter time which gives it a richer taste. It contains about 30 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Benefit: Helps in weight loss.
White tea – The leaves of this tea are plucked when they are young, so it has a much milder taste as compared to other teas. Also, it contains least amount of caffeine – only 15 milligrams per cup.
Benefit: Helps in weight loss and also beneficial for people with diabetes.
Flavoured tea – Aromatic extras such as orange peel, cinnamon, camomile, lavender etc. are paired with black, white or green tea.
Benefits: Contains same level of anti-oxidants as non-flavoured teas. You can sip on them through-out the day.
Herbal tea – Technically these are not teas, they’re a combination of dried fruits, flowers and herbs. They contain no caffeine.
Benefits: Hibiscus tea could help lower blood pressure. Camomile tea is believed to be a good sleep inducer and peppermint tea might calm the stomach.
Fun facts about tea:
- Tea was taken as a medicine before it became an everyday thing
- Tea leaves act as natural mosquito repellents
- Loose tea remains good for two years
- Tea tasting is one of the highest paid jobs
- Ginger tea can take care of cold and morning sickness
- Moist teabags help in reducing puffy eyes
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