The tea industry provides millions of people around the world with cups of tea in the morning. If you thought today was only about sipping your favorite cup of tea, think again! International Tea Day is all about the tea workers and bringing civil rights into action.
International Tea Day aims to draw global attention of governments and citizens to the impact of the global tea trade on workers and growers, and has been linked to requests for price supports and fair trade. Additionally, International Tea Day is a celebration of tea culture and recognizes the beverage as a major export in tea producing countries.
If you think everything feels much better after having a hot cup of tea, it really does! Here’s what tea is all about:
- The only beverage more popular that tea is plain water.
The world’s tea market was worth $38.8 billion in 2013, making it second to plain water in consumer preference.
- Every sip is rich with antioxidants.
Polyphenols are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea and consuming them can help remove free radicals and decrease cell damage in the body which ultimately helps decrease the risk of chronic diseases.
- Tea loves you back.
Teas also contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which when consumed on a regular basis help reduce many risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels and obesity.
- Say no to cold pills this winter, have a cup of tea instead.
A stronger immune system can protect you from the cold, flu, and other illnesses. One way to give it a boost is to take in the powerful antioxidant blend found in green or chamomile tea as part of your everyday routine.
- Wanna have a drink while studying? Go ahead and have tea!
Studies suggest that the minimally-processed green tea leaves from the Camellia Sinensis bush helps boost cognitive functioning, including the working memory. Black tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which can improve alertness and focus.
- Tummy ache – what’s that?
The polyphenols found in black tea may help maintain a healthy gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria, such as Salmonella. Herbal teas, like chamomile, mint, rosemary, and lavender, can improve your digestive health. The infusions and mixtures of herbs can be an effective treatment for gas, indigestion, constipation, and other digestive symptoms
- Helps reduce the risk of a stroke.
Research shows that drinking at least three cups of green or black tea each day can lead to a 21% reduction in your risk of stroke. The findings concluded that catechins, a chemical compound found in green and black teas, have stroke-reducing effects on the vascular system.
8. Good for diabetics, it helps lower your blood sugar levels.
Black tea has been found to help enhance the use of insulin in the body.
9. Decreases the risk of cancer.
The polyphenols, help protect against a boatload of cancers, including breast, colon, colorectal, skin, lung, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver, ovarian, prostate and oral cancers.
- Helps you flash your best smile!
You may be surprised to learn that a cup of black tea each day can reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Research shows that enzyme-rich compounds can prevent plaque and bacteria from forming on teeth and gums.
- You can drink too much tea.
In 2014, a 56-year-old man encountered kidney trouble after drinking about 16 glasses of tea a day. High concentrations of oxalate, as found in black tea, can lead to renal failure, so don’t go overboard with your tea habit.
A cup of tea gives you around 55calories with 50ml of milk and 1tsp of sugar. So for those who keep a count of their daily calorie intake do not forget to add these every time you sip a cup.
Crispy, fried, spicy or sweet – what do you like to have your cup of tea with? Admit it, we all look forward to tea-time where we can enjoy a steaming cup of chai with our favourite snacks. You already know how damaging fried snacks can be to your weight loss goals, and cholesterol. However, that doesn’t mean you make your evening teatime a grumpy affair!
While healthy cooking is necessary for a healthy meal, proper quantities of intake are required for a balanced diet. Below is MyThali’s recommended table for your daily snack intake. Now know what to eat and in which quantities while you prepare snacks for your tea!
Cook at home instead of buying snacks from outside as they come with a variety of health risks. A few simple snacks you can make using your OTG or Air Fryer are:
- Biscuits and Cookies
Bake a batch of oatmeal resin or cinnamon biscuits, or any multigrain or ragi cookies for a dip and sip with your tea. You can have around 3-4 home baked biscuits which will give you around 150 – 200 calories to keep you going till its dinner time. Millet cookies are not only rich in complex carbs but also provides proteins, fiber and minerals.
- Chaat
This Indian street food favorite can be recreated in your house with just a few simple ingredients like bhel (puffed rice), chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and carrots, and some sweet and sour chutney to mix it all together. You can have two good cups of this snack which is low in fats and high in vitamins and fiber. Add peanuts to give you the protein punch. This snack is a yummy tummy filler.
- Chana / Peanut Chat
This is one more healthy option for chaat lovers. Boiled black chana / peanut chat with loads of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and a dash of lemon will load you with proteins, vitamins and fiber. Just 1 cup at tea will give you nearly 8gms of proteins. Make the rest from nuts, dals, eggs and dairy products.
- Samosa, Cutlets and Pakoras
Traditional deep-fried favorites can be prepared in an air fryer or OTG instead to reduce your oil consumption and give you a healthier meal! But heres the catch. One Samosa bought from a Namkeen store would cost you more than 200 calories which mainly would come from the oil used for frying. So you dare not go for a second one. However, very little oil is needed in an Air fryer, and if its baked using the OTG then it makes it even better.
- Roasted Chana and Peanuts
This protein packed snack needs only roasting using the OTG. It’s extremely healthy and easy to carry snack to office. Have a handful or two anytime your tummy growls!