Many of us begin our day with it. It refreshes us when we are tired. It helps elevate our mood when we are feeling depressed. We also generally associate drinking it with a feeling of well being. We are talking about tea here. Tea is the most popular drink in the world, next only to water. In India, chai is almost considered the national drink. What many of us do not know is that tea confers many health benefits to drinkers. Here are some interesting facts about tea.

Origins

A Chinese legend describes how, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung drank boiled water into which some leaves of the tea plant had accidentally fallen. He found the resulting infusion delicious and began to drink it regularly.

The legend may not be accurate, but it is known that tea drinking did originate in China. Travelling Japanese Buddhist monks brought the practice to Japan. It was much later, in the 1600's that tea was introduced to Europe. Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who married Charles II of England, was a tea lover and popularised tea drinking in affluent European society.

Types of Teas

While all tea leaves come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, they are processed differently to obtain distinct types of teas. Once plucked, tea leaves wilt and darken by a process that is known as oxidation. Depending on the amount of oxidation tea leaves undergo, four main categories of teas are obtained: black, green, oolong, and white.

Black tea

Black tea is made from leaves that are fully oxidised. It has a stronger flavour and has higher caffeine content than the other types of teas, which undergo less oxidation. Unlike other teas, black tea stores well and retains its flavour over many years. Black tea is the most popular tea in the West and in India.

Green Tea

Green tea, considered 'true' tea, is made from leaves that have undergone the least amount of oxidation. The brew is light yellow and has a subtle astringent flavour. It is believed to be healthier than black tea because of its high anti-oxidant content. Medical research suggests that green tea plays a role in preventing heart disease and certain cancers. It is most popular in China and certain other Asian countries, where it is drunk without milk or sugar. Green tea is gaining popularity in the West due to its health benefits.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is made from partially oxidised leaves, which places it somewhere between black and green tea. It has a floral or fruity flavour that is less robust than that of black tea, but less grassy than that of green tea. In China, it is traditionally brewed strong and served with meals. Connoisseurs drink it without adding milk, sugar, or lemon to retain its delicate flavour.

White Tea

White tea is produced from the buds and new leaves that appear on the tea plant in spring. These are processed using very low heat, without rolling. White tea is often the most expensive type of tea, the more prized varieties being made exclusively from buds. White tea has lower fluoride content, which makes it healthier. Medical research indicates that it has higher antiviral and antibacterial properties than green tea.

Health Benefits

Traditionally, tea-drinking cultures have always believed that drinking tea fosters good health. Today, medical research seems to substantiate their claims:

• Tea plays a role in the prevention of cancers, including those of the lung, prostate, and breast. According to studies, green and white teas are said to be more effective in this, than black tea.
• Clinical studies indicate that drinking green tea increases the metabolism rate and hastens fat oxidation. Beneficial compounds called catechin polyphenols in green tea also increase the rate at which calories are burnt.
• Studies suggest that drinking green tea plays a role in preventing the onset of diabetes.
• The amino acid L-theanine in tea leaves helps to increase mental awareness by influencing the brain's attention networks.
• Theanine is also believed to strengthen the immune system of the body. Besides, the oxalates found in tea are said to help the immune system in fighting infections.
• A medical study suggests that drinking tea lowers the likelihood of cognitive impairment.
• Clinical trials indicate that drinking black tea helps to reduce stress levels.
• Tea drinking is also surmised to have a role to play in reducing the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases.

• Some medical experts surmise that the fluoride in tea leaves may reduce its anti-cancer properties or even cause cancer.
• The caffeine in tea has been linked to sleep disorders.
• The oxalates found in tea could affect the kidneys, especially if tea is consumed in excess.
• A study suggests that having tea with milk reduces its ability to prevent cardiovascular disease.