It is said ‘Happiness is a cup of tea’, it is a cup that cheers at any time of the day. Tea drinking is an important part of different cultures. It is thought drinking tea gives people health, wisdom & happiness. Different kinds of teas are found to be beneficial in weight loss, lowering of cholesterol, prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes and increase mental alertness. Tea first originated in China and gradually it spread to all other parts of the world. Tea is prepared from the Camellia sinensis plant and the most expensive tea which is a Chinese tea called Tieguanyin is sold for $1500/pound.
Let me tell you about the exotic tea varieties of the world:
Peach Cobbler Guayusa- this tea is a native of the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador. The tea has a high content of caffeine about 90mg of caffeine. It is available in pure or infused with flavours like mint, chocolate, peach etc. It contains 50% more antioxidants compared to green tea. Thus it helps maintain blood sugar levels, lowers blood pressure, helps in kidney function and enhances digestion. The tea is both relaxing &stimulating at the same time.
Black Forest Cake Pu-erh Tea– this Pu –Erh tea comes from China and is considered a healthy drink. This tea helps in weight loss, cancer prevention and has anti-ageing benefits. It lowers LDL or bad cholesterol and increases HDL or good cholesterol. The tea is great for both tea and dessert lovers as it has the taste of both. A kind of a double treat.
Mate teas-this tea is a native of Argentina and comes from Yerba mate plant of South America. This tea is a storehouse of vitamins & minerals like Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium & Zinc. It has 90% more nutrients than green tea. This tea helps in increasing mental alertness.
White Pearls White Tea– this white tea comes from a special strain of tea plant found in Fujian province of China. It is harvested for only a few days of a year and is expensive. It is difficult to obtain due to limited production. It helps in reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disorders. It has anti-ageing properties which help in keeping the skin healthy and supple.
Insect Poop Tea– this is one of the most expensive teas in the world. This is made by bugs digesting the tea leaves then their poop is sifted and dried into a tea-like substance. This tea is nutritious and is considered a delicacy.
Matcha Tea- Matcha means ‘Powdered Tea’ and is associated with the Japanese tea drinking. This is a richly flavoured drink giving people a sense of calm and well being. This tea has a high quantity of antioxidants leading to good immunity.
Rooibos Tea– this tea is a native of Africa. This tea is made from a fermented herb. It is a red coloured tea with a malty flavour. This is devoid of caffeine and has innumerable health benefits like It helps to cure insomnia, asthma, headache and hypertension.
Yellow Gold Tea- the tea is a native of Singapore. The tea buds are lavished with 24ct gold which after infusing yield a metallic & floral taste.
Drinking tea is like zen so go for that hot cuppa and you will find yourself refreshed and free from troubles. Happy Tea Drinking—
-Dr PREETI TALWAR
