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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : August 11, 2021 12:59 PM IST
Don't Ditch Tea, Make It Healthier Instead
Just imagine what Noel Coward once said, "Wouldn't it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn't have tea?" Well, the beverage, certainly, is the elixir of life for tea lovers. It has become such an inseparable part of their diet that they fail to start their day without it. However, with the pandemic turning everything upside down, including our health care system, people are, slowly but surely, taking charge of their health now more than ever. Hence, they have increasingly started shifting towards choosing healthy alternatives for everything, including the eponymous beverage. People are now relying more on herbal teas.
It's not a secret anymore that herbal teas, commonly known as 'tisanes', are not made from the tea plant known as the Camellia sinensis. They are an infusion of any edible plant, usually derived from a variety of dried flowers, spices, herbs, seeds, and fruits. Hence, they have numerous health benefits as well as a huge variety of flavours and options to choose from.
Unlike coffee and milk-based teas, most herbal teas are totally free of caffeine. They are high in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that just vary depending on the herbal blend. Even individuals who don't consistently drink tea are well-versed with the benefits herbal teas offer when it comes to building immunity. It's the reason the vast majority of people pick a steaming hot cup when they are feeling sick. Often high on antioxidants, they work in order to eliminate free radicals throughout the body and prevent oxidative stress. Did you know they can also help prevent blood clots and chronic diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and reduce cholesterol levels? Yes, it's true!
Drinking regular milk-based tea makes you feel nauseated. It is due to the presence of high levels of tannins, a complex chemical substance derived from phenolic acids. It irritates the digestive tissue and leads to bloating, discomfort, stomachache, anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and more.
Most people can drink up to three to four cups, approximately 710-950 ml daily without any adverse effects, but a few may experience side effects even at lower doses. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies all across the globe. So, if you have low iron levels, its intake may worsen your condition. And if you follow a vegan diet, you must pay extra heed to the amount of tea you consume because many studies suggest that tannins are more likely to hinder the absorption of iron from plant sources rather than from animal-based foods.
According to a report by IndustryARC - Herbal Tea Market Forecast (2020-2025) - the herbal tea market size was estimated to be $52.6 billion in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 6.1 per cent. It is very likely to grow more in the coming years. One can easily attribute the significant market growth to the increasing awareness and mindfulness among people regarding the health benefits associated with herbal teas. High consumption is leading to high demand. Therefore, manufacturing firms are also focusing highly on introducing a varied range of such teas. The future, certainly, looks promising.
(This article is contributed by Ms Shalini Raj, Founder, The Infused Kettle)
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.