Myths about Tea

Tea has been a part of our routine since ages. More common in Britain and Europe, tea has been a very popular drink among people. Whether it is for starting your day or getting green tea health benefits, tea is common to nearly every kitchen. Moreover, health conscious people have seen healthy tea as a helping hand in losing their weight and maintaining a healthy living. Whatever may be the reason, after coffee, it is the most popular drink across the world.

The origin of tea dates back to 2700 BC. With such a long journey, it has gone through a lot of myths and stories about it. Even today there are a lot of modern myths associated with tea and its types.

1. Many consider white leaves as the baby leaf. This is not true. All leaves, white, green, and black, are young when they are used to make tea. White tea may be defined as the leaves that are uncured or unfermented. Sometimes it is also known as the steamed part during the drying process.
2. A common myth is that air is good for tea. This may not always be true. While air may be good for a few, it may not be good for the rest. Teas like pu'er are deeply fermented and carefully oxidized.
3. Many may think it would taste best when it is old. This may not be true. Many lose their original flavor when they are exposed to air for long.
4. A myth might also say that some might be caffeine free. This is not true. All tea will contain natural caffeine, called as theine. However, do not confuse this with herbal teas. Teas like chamomile are not derived from the tea plant; therefore the rule does not apply to them.
5. Some might also say that ice tea is same as hot tea. The reason why this is not true is that ice tea is usually served as a ready-to-drink beverage and is prepared by acidifying tea with ascorbic acid or citric acid. Later, the mixture is heated at higher temperatures. Furthermore, studies have shown that caffeine levels are more enhanced in drinks when they are chilled. Ice tea would therefore have higher sugar and caffeine content and lower antioxidant properties.
6. White is perceived to be healthier than green. However, latest researches have proved green tea to have the highest levels of antioxidants.
7. A very common myth is that green has lower caffeine content than black. Lab tests have proved this myth wrong because green tea has shown higher levels of caffeine as compared to black tea, and higher caffeine levels than coffee as well.
8. White and black teas are also thought to be derived from different plants. This is not true because both of the types are derived from Camellia Sinensis. The difference lies in their preparation. Black is fermented, whereas green is heated in ovens. Some types of green tea may only be partially fermented.