People all over the world have been drinking tea for thousands of centuries, and for all good reasons. The simplicity and diversity of tea has made it a staple drink across many cultures and countries. Bonding over a cup of tea happens everywhere, everyday. It's the preferred drink, when welcoming guests at home, family get-togethers, meet-ups and of course, the high tea.

Tea is considered one of the healthiest beverages all around the world and is the most widely consumed drink, after water. It is so versatile that it teams up equally well with cookies, cakes or pakoras.

There are so many varieties of tea available to suit your needs and taste buds. However, its best to consume tea without milk and sugar as both increase the acidic factor of tea, which may result in indigestion and other  issues.

An often-surprising fact to tea novices is that all teas (Black, Green, Oolong, White, and Pu'erh) come from the same plant.The  manufacturing process is what results in the three categories of fermented (black), unfermented (green), and semi-fermented (oolong or pouchong)

Being less processed and fermented, green and black tea have a number of health benefits. These include everything from being great for the skin to improved cardiovascular health, lower risk of cancer, heart attack and stroke. Other studies have suggested that green tea improves blood sugar level as well as blood concentration of cholesterol. The high content of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and antioxidants found in green and black tea help to give the immune system a much-needed boost. 

The primary chemicals responsible for the health claims in tea are called catechins. They are found in highest concentration in fresh tea leaves. Once exposed to the processing of tea required to make the tea bag, catechins degrade rapidly. 

It’s best to drink tea as fresh as possible, as loose leaf tea, to enjoy it's potential health benefits. Loose leaf tea is in its purest form, which not only retains the delicious aroma and flavor of the tea, but all of its benefits as well.

Although there is caffeine in green tea, it contains less caffeine than black tea, and in turn black tea has a lot less caffeine than coffee. Tea creates a gentler and steadier source of stimulation, which apparently can aid concentration.

Whilst green tea gives you a small caffeine boost, it helps to achieve healthy weight loss by encouraging the body to burn more fat.

Tea is an elixir of life, especially for the exhausted mind, body and soul. Whenever someone needs a hot beverage to warm up or unwind, tea is the perfect choice.

Here’s to the cuppa of health and happiness!!