Bet You Didn’t Know – Tea

Tea provides a multitude of emotional and physical benefits. Last week I posted an article on the health benefits of green tea. You can reference that here (scroll down – April 8 8:10 post). Finding that article inspired me to do a little more research. I do not consider myself an authority on tea by any stretch of the imagination. I do, however, love tea and promised to write a post on it.

When I was a young adult, hot tea was my go-to drink in the morning and throughout the day. I did not start drinking coffee until I was in my 30’s. I continue to drink tea for the enjoyment and relaxation it brings me, but also for my health. My husband and I consume flavored teas, but almost always a green tea mix. We do also consume green tea all by itself.

During the day, hot tea is my go-to for concentration. When entering a phone call with a client, I like to have a cup of tea prepared and to sip throughout our call. When I am writing for an extended period I like to have a cup prepared before I begin typing. Perhaps some of this is psychological, but I believe it really helps me to focus and stay relaxed. I drink iced tea most days simply because I enjoy it and it helps me with water intake.

Below are some things I found in my research. I hope you enjoy this compilation of tea information and the many links provide you with helpful information. I am not connected in anyway to any of the sites listed below.

A Little Tea History
According to Chinese legend, the pleasure and health benefits of drinking tea were first discovered in 2727 BC by the Emperor Shen Nung, a scholar and herbalist who regularly consumed boiled water for its hygienic qualities.
One day the emperor was resting under a wild tea bush, now known as the Camellia sinensis plant, and the wind blew a tea leaf into his simmering water. He drank the resulting concoction and found it to be energizing and delicious. (Source: learn-about-tea.com)

For nearly 5,000 years this drink has been a source of medicine, meditation, piracy, political upheaval, social order, congregation, and superstition. (Source: Bigelowtea.com)

It is widely believed that iced tea was invented in 1904 at the St. Louis World Fair by Richard Blechynden, a British tea merchant. However, at least one late 19th century cookbook includes a recipe for iced tea. (Source: random history.com)

All teas come from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. An evergreen shrub, which originated in Asia, is nowadays cultivated throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions. It can reach up to thirty feet in height. (Source: therighttea.com)

There are 3 main varieties of tea, green, black, and oolong. The difference is in how the teas are processed. (Source: University of Maryland)

Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things.~Chaim Potok Share on X

A Few Interesting and Fun “WHO KNEW” Facts (Please note, I did some research and found the statements noted. I cannot stand behind them as “facts.”)

While coffee might seem to be the “go-to” drink for those seeking a hot beverage, the world actually runs on tea. Aside from water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world, and in the United States alone; tea imports have risen over 400% since 1990. (Source: worldatlas.com)

China is the largest producer of tea, followed by India and Sri Lanka. (This, I found consistent across several sites for 2010-2013.)

Prevents food poisoning: The catechins in tea are a powerful sterilizing agent, which kills germs and bacteria. Tea prevents food poisoning by fighting against stomach diseases caused by harmful bacterias. (Source: enjoyingtea.com)

The caffeine content of a cup of brew is around 50 milligrams depending on the strength and amount consumed. (Source: learn-about-tea.com)

Seriously – “who knew!!!”
Mosquitoes. Tea leaves are a natural means of keeping mosquitoes away. All you have to do is use slightly damp leaves to add the scent of tea to the areas you want to keep insect-free.

Not just for drinking. Here are five good reasons for not giving up tea, even if you don’t drink it – it helps to heal shaving cuts, eliminates bad odors when added to a foot bath, can be used to marinade meat, is a great fertilizer for roses, and is also good for cleaning floors. (Source: finedininglovers.com)

Health Benefits (always do your own research and talk to your healthcare provider. These sources are provided as general information found on the web.)

From green tea to hibiscus, from white tea to chamomile, teas are chock full of flavonoids and other healthy goodies. (Source: webmd.com) – lots more info at this link!

Tea is a great antidepressant and energizer. Actually, the alkaloids, tannin, and caffeine present in tea are very quick and efficient natural stimulants. Drinking tea gives immediate relief for fatigue, stimulates the brain, and elevates mood. (Source: organic facts.net)

Nutrition & Health Compounds Found in Tea – vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (Source: enjoying tea.com) – B vitamins, C, K and more. Magnesium, zinc and more.

Healing Tea Recipes (Source: enjoyingtea.com)

Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants, such as polyphenols in green tea, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. (Source: University of Maryland)

7 herbal teas that will make you healthier (Source: besthealthmag.ca)

[stextbox id=”custom” bwidth=”3″ color=”FAFEFF” bcolor=”8C6727″ bgcolor=”50C7C3″ bgcolorto=”50C7C3″]…I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!… ~ 3 John 2-4 (MSG)[/stextbox]

Get creative! Infuse your tea with fresh fruits for a twist and amazing new flavors.