Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
International Tea Day is observed every year on May 21. The United Nations declared this date in 2019 to recognize tea’s cultural, economic, and health importance worldwide. Before that, many tea-producing countries like India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Nepal celebrated it on December 15. The May date aligns with the tea harvesting season in most growing regions. The day isn’t just about a beverage. It’s about the 13+ million people whose livelihoods depend on tea — from small farmers in Assam and Darjeeling to pluckers in Kenya’s Rift Valley and family-run gardens in Japan.
An old Chinese poem states : “One cup of tea does all disorders cure, with two, your troubles will be fewer, thrice to the bone more vigour give, with four forever you will live as young as on your day of birth, a true immemorial on the earth”. A cup of tea is such an integral part of our lives and the phrase “Anytime is Tea time” is so common in ay language or vocabulary, that the topic of tea as a beverage hardly calls for any reflection.
Tea, a timeless beverage, has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, offering a plethora of health benefits that make it a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. Tea, especially green tea, is loaded with antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants in tea also help protect the skin from sun damage and improve skin elasticity. Certain types of tea, like green tea and oolong tea, have been shown to increase metabolism and enhance fat burning, making them a great addition to a weight loss diet. Regular tea consumption has been linked to lower risks of heart disease and stroke, thanks to its ability to improve blood flow, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots.
However, with the recent scientific research on the health benefits of tea, it has emerged out that to drink Tea is an active and health conscious. Tea is one of the few beverages that is virtually calorie-free. It is reported that Tea, especially those with superior flavours such as Darjeeling or Nilgiri, is best drink without any additives such as milk or sugar. While tea cannot replace fruits and vegetables in a balanced diet, a 150 ml cup of tea can make a significant contribution to the antioxidants consumed each day.
Tea has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Some studies suggest that tea may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in reducing the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers. The flavonoids in tea may also help improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, tea has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, from digestive issues to respiratory problems. With its numerous health benefits, tea is an excellent alternative to sugary drinks and can be enjoyed hot or cold, sweetened or unsweetened. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or just starting to explore the world of tea, there’s no denying the incredible advantages of making this wonder drink a part of your daily routine. From improving heart health to boosting cognitive function, tea is a simple yet powerful way to take care of your overall well-being. So, grab a cup, relax, and toast to your health.
The ancient image of tea a healthy beverage has today survived the passage of time and it is clear that even in today’s stressful world, tea can play an important role in improving the quality of human life.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
