The popularity of cafes and cafe chains like Starbucks can easily give the impression that coffee is the world’s favourite beverage after water. But, surprisingly, this is wrong. Tea is actually more popular globally, and it is important to a number of different cultures around the world.
This short guide will discuss some of the benefits of tea that might help explain its popularity, as well as offer some creative new ways that you can enjoy a cup.
The Health Benefits of Tea
Unlike coffee, the reason tea is so popular has little to do with its caffeine content. A cup of brewed black tea contains about half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee the same size. Green tea contains still less, and many herbal teas contain none at all.
It doesn’t provide much of a kick to clear away that morning fogginess, so why is it so popular? Obviously, there is the fact that it is one of the rare beverages that is both tasty and healthy. Tea on its own contains no fat, no sugar, no cholesterol, and only a couple of calories at most.
It also offers numerous health benefits and has been associated with a lower risk of several serious health conditions. While none of these are likely to be reasons why people have been drinking it for thousands of years, it may be the case that people were intuitively aware that the drink was good for them. Here are some of the important health benefits attributed to tea:
- Low cholesterol: Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, which have many health benefits. One of these is excess cholesterol that you might consume as part of your diet.
- Blood sugar control: The same antioxidants have also been found to reduce the risk of high blood sugar.
- Lower cancer risk: If people are familiar with compounds called polyphenols, it is usually because they are found in red wine and this is used to market it as a healthier form of alcohol. However, green and black teas also contain polyphenols without any harmful alcohol at all. These compounds are associated with the regulation of cancer cell growth.
- Focus and alertness: Tea might not provide the same jolt as coffee, but it can also be consumed a lot more frequently without leaving you feeling jittery. Some studies suggest that it improves focus and alertness in a similar way.
- Sleep quality: This only applies to certain teas which do not contain caffeine, such as chamomile. Many people drink these to relax at the end of the day and drift off easier. Studies have shown that in women who had just given birth, chamomile tea improved sleep quality and alleviated depression.
How Tea is Enjoyed Around the World
Tea is consumed in various different ways across cultures. Some drink it recreationally, while others consume it as part of a ceremony. Here are some of the most interesting.
Tibet – If you visit a house in Tibet, you are likely to be offered a cup of ‘po cha,’ or butter tea, to drink. It is customary to refill your cup after each sip, and then to signal that you are finished by not doing so anymore.
India – India is the country of origin for many types of tea, and various forms of the beverage are widely consumed there. The most famous is probably ‘masala chai,’ black tea brewed with milk and water and flavoured with spices.
Taiwan – Taiwanese bubble tea is popular across East Asia and can now be found widely across the Western world too. It is served in many different ways, but the classic is a cold milk tea with chewy black tapioca bubbles at the bottom.
Creative Ways to Enjoy a Cup of Tea
The traditional way to enjoy tea in most places, however, is freshly brewed and hot. But there are many more inventive ways you could try.
- Tea lattes: There’s no reason why coffee drinkers should get so many choices while tea drinkers are stuck with hot or iced. Topping a strong tea with frothy milk is delicious and is especially popular with Japanese ‘matcha’ tea, a type of green tea with a strong flavour and high caffeine content.
- Tea cocktails: Yes, these really exist. They are essentially iced teas served in snazzy glasses, and they are great with or without alcohol.
- Ice blocks: These can be a refreshing treat in the height of summer or a delicious dessert anytime. Simply brew your tea and freeze it overnight in a mould for a healthier alternative to these icy treats.
- Baked tea: Add some subtle new flavours to your favourite baking recipes by using tea whenever the recipe asks for water. You can experiment with different types of tea to see which works best.
Now you’ve got some inspiration, it is time to find out how you like it. There are so many great ways to enjoy this healthy drink, and the best thing is you can’t really have too much.
Photo by Cottonbro Studio.