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GLORIOUS TEA
Next to water, tea is the largest consumed liquid diet by mankind. Tea is an ancient beverage originated from China. Legend has it that in 2737 BC while Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was relaxing under a tree taking a cup of boiled water, a leaf from the tree accidentally dropped into the water. As the Emperor was also an herbalist, he watched the reaction on the leaf curiously. In a few minutes he tasted the resultant liquid and found it to be very exhilarating. This episode gave birth to the beverage Tea.
Over the periods tea was consumed sans milk. The credit of adding milk to tea, known as ‘French Touch’, that improved its flavor and taste goes to Marquis de la Sabilare, a French woman.
Anyhow it was Anna, Duchess of Bedford who invented the afternoon teatime that hastened its astounding popularity.
Tea belongs to the family Camellia Sinesis and is available in 2000 varieties throughout the world. Among the four most popular categories are, Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea and White Tea. The variations used during the processing of the leaves give different flavors to this beverage. Leaves of the super grade tree are plucked from the top two branches of the plant and it will be highly aromatic. While preparing tea it should never be reheated as the ‘essential oils’ that are responsible for aroma will evaporate soon. A steaming cup of tea rejuvenates 6ne's spirits and elevates the mood. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once observed, “Tea is more important than bullets”. Hosting tea is a ceremonial, event in Japan and a reflection of its culture.
Tea has a highly potential medicinal value. As early as the 17th century Louis XIV of France consumed twelve cups of tea everyday to keep away his gout. Green Tea is a panacea for many ailments. This concept is fast catching up throughout the world as researchers confirm its medicinal value.
Tea contains potassium, niacin, folic acid, manganese, vitamin B1 and B2. Green Tea is so rich in Vitamin C that of this precious nutrient exceeds that contained in a cup of orange juice. It aids in lessening obesity as it breaks down fats in the blood stream.
It also facilitates digestion, fights food poisoning, strengthens bones and tooth enamel.
Researchers have established that green tea contains a powerful anti-oxidant ‘epigallocatechin-3-gallate’ or ECGC that has the ability to neutralize free radicals preventing cancer. This is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E at protecting cells from damage related to cancer and other serious ailments. Studies in Harvard University also indicated that consumers of green tea are 50 per cent lesser exposed to heart attacks than others as it lowers cholesterol.
So here's to a happy tea time.
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