Many people are used to drinking a few cups of tea every day. Not everyone is aware that this tradition began in ancient China. In 2737 BC, leaves accidentally fell into a cup of boiling water that had been prepared for the Chinese emperor Shennong. He decided to taste it and discovered that the drink was delicious. This is how tea as a drink was born.
People have been drinking tea in China for thousands of years, often as part of daily rituals and social encounters. Tea became popular as a recreational drink during the Tang dynasty (618 – 907), and a genuine tea culture has since emerged. The scholar Lu Yu wrote the book “The Classic of Tea” during this period, in which he explained how tea should be prepared and consumed. It is remarkable that something so simple has managed to change the daily lives of millions of people.
In Chinese culture, tea is more than just a drink. It stands for tranquility, hospitality and health. People drink it to relax or as part of their social meetings with others. This shows that a cup of tea can enhance social relations.
Green tea and health
The Chinese people have always assumed that tea has a cleansing effect on the body. Therefore, tea was initially used primarily as a medicinal drink. This is particularly true for green tea. According to many studies, there is evidence that green tea contains antioxidants, reduces inflammation and improves gut health, which all contribute to a healthier body. In addition, the hypothesis has been put forward that green tea protects against cancer. People therefore believe that drinking tea regularly can contribute to a long and healthy life.
Although tea in itself is healthy, the teabags used may not be. Microplastics have been found in teabags that disperse quickly in hot water. To reduce the amount of microplastics in tea, it is recommended to use loose-leaf tea in a metal tea infuser or to rely on plastic-free paper bags.
From happy hour to “tea hour”
More and more people are opting for a “tea hour” instead of having drinks. They find this more enjoyable and healthier. This practice offers two kinds of health benefits. One avoids drinking alcohol, which tends to be harmful to one’s health, while tea has positive health effects. Some people love having a tea hour, while others might find it boring. Consequently, it may not be to everyone’s taste.
Conclusion
From ancient China to present day, tea has remained an important drink. What started as a medicinal drink grew into an important part of cultural and social rituals. Drinking tea has positive effects on well-being and social relationships. Therefore, tea is often more than what is in the cup.
Green tea is available at most supermarkets and specialised tea shops.
Sources:
Brits warned as our beloved cups of tea have hidden health risks
Het ontstaan van de thee: Een fascinerende geschiedenis
Rongping, Ruan et al. (2013). Tea Consumption and Mortality Among Oldest-Old Chinese. National Library of Medicine.
Chacko, Sabu et al. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea A literature review. Chinese Medicine Journal.
Pérez-Burillo, Sergio et al. (2021). Green Tea and Its Relation to Human Gut Microbiome. MDPI.