Many of us are either tea lovers or coffee enthusiasts. These are two of the most delicious beverages in the world, which can be brewed in different ways to suit any palate. Research has unveiled many key benefits attached to tea, which could possibly make it a better alternative to coffee. Read on to see the advantages that are in store for you - one sip at a time!
Health benefits
Those who are looking for a beverage that is full to the brim with wellness will not be disappointed when they down a cup of freshly brewed tea. Tea has an abundance of polyphenols, a kind of antioxidant that plants naturally produce, making it a great alternative to sugary drinks like cola, energy drinks and fruit punch. The best Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka, which is rich in antioxidants, is found in variants like Ceylon Green Tea and Ceylon White Tea.
These varieties aid in improving cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and possibly lowering the risk of cancer. Variants like green tea can be beneficial for weight loss as they reduce unhealthy fat and help with the body’s metabolism. Those who suffer from high blood pressure will also find a daily cup of tea soothing since it protects them against prehypertension and hypertension, and is especially good for their heart health. Other health issues which can be tackled to some extent through tea include diabetes, cancer, and mental alertness.
Distinctive flavours
Though both tea and coffee have a wide range of flavours and aromas, tea is noted to have a wider choice than coffee, as it has moved away from the bold and bitter taste that is usually present in coffee. There is a vast spectrum of flavour profiles present in tea, such as black, white, green and oolong, as well as herbal-infused ones which are prepared using herbs, flowers and roots.
Visit Ceylon Tea Supermarket to inspect varieties like pure black tea and green tea, as well as flavoured versions of these. They also have mixed-flavoured black and green tea, along with herbal and organic tea varieties, so that you can scrutinise them and choose the ones which go with your taste.
Sustainable initiatives involved
A little-known fact linked with Ceylon tea is that it is certified as ozone-friendly. In fact, the nation has been the pioneer of this concept, which has been recognised under the Montreal Protocol. Therefore, the tea-making process in Sri Lanka has turned to environmentally friendly alternatives, such as eliminating the usage of methyl bromide and instead turning to cultural, biological, and minimal, judicious chemical practices to tackle issues and control pests. These include introducing natural predators such as spiders and ladybugs to the areas which have been cultivated or using plant-derived insecticides like garlic, neem oil or chilli extracts to drive out these enemies.
More industry-driven packaging has also been introduced by using cardboard, recycled paper, rather than plastic or polythene. Tea bags, too, have been made using environmentally friendly alternatives such as unbleached paper or cornstarch. These are minus microplastics, which are typically found in conventional tea bags.
Gentle on digestion
It is a known fact that tea is gentler on the digestion than coffee. This is due to it embodying lower caffeine levels and being less acidic, while the increased acidic content in coffee, often two or three times the amount found in tea, has the potential to irritate the stomach lining. This makes it a beverage which is hard to stomach for those who have issues with sensitivity. Some herbal tea varieties also embody soothing properties like ginger and peppermint that can alleviate discomfort.
Tea also contains L-theanine. This is a form of amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness and helps you focus or concentrate on matters at hand. This is why it is said that a warm cup of tea is a great energy booster when your spirits are low.