TEA TIME

IT'S TEA TIME 

Tea is native to China and India usually grown in hilly areas.  It is derived from a plant Camellia sinensis.  It has four varieties: green, black, white, and oolong. Chamomile tea, herbal tea etc. are not really tea.  

Tea seems to be an important part of everyday routine.  On a cold winter day, having a cup of tea with holy basil and ginger makes that sore throat go away. Green tea with lemon and honey on an empty stomach in morning is said to reduce weight. Indian household will always have a stock of black fermented tea. Indian tea is usually made with milk and sugar and some spice mix. From here it derives the name Masala Tea. Chinese and Japanese use non-fermented green tea and won’t use milk and sugar. Making a cup of tea for self or serving tea to guests, tea is like a custom.   

Researches have shown many benefits of drinking tea especially green tea. Some of the benefits are listed below      

• Tea contains antioxidants and protects from certain cancer
• It is wiser to have tea instead of coffee because tea has less caffeine than coffee
• Tea is said to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke
• Tea aids in weight loss
• Tea strengthens our immune system

A word of advice. Tea is generally good but having too much of it may increase your sugar intake which may have bad consequence on health. Tea has low caffeine levels but having excess tea may increase the caffeine levels in the body and may have bad effect on body. Avoid usage of sweeteners in tea because they may be harmful.

Have a few cups (3-4) of tea (green as well as masala tea) for good health. Tea is much better than those aerated and sugary drinks. Experiment by having both hot and chilled tea or by replacing sugar with honey or using different combination of spices.