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In the US, tea seems to be commercially eclipsed by coffee and other caffeinated products. While there seems to be an endless outpouring of new coffee businesses and products along with new energy drinks and promotional campaigns, tea is quietly waxing in popularity again. There are numerous reasons for the recent growth of interest in tea. Part of this steady resurgence has to do with nostalgia for some, and that it feels new to younger people who have grown weary of coffee and sugary energy drinks โ but a lot of the growth of interest in tea also has to do with its many lifestyle benefits and even advantages over other beverages.
Because tea is a burgeoning market in the US, and many may not be familiar with the various types of tea and ways to consume it, it warrants going over some of the various benefits that explain its return to popularity.
Some Lifestyle Benefits of Tea
Tradition, History, and Ritual
Tea, with its rich history in many different cultures spanning the globe, has been cherished for thousands of years. Among these traditions, tea time in the UK stands out as a daily ritual, traditionally occurring in the late afternoon. It is a moment for pausing the rush of the day to enjoy a cup of tea accompanied often by a light meal or sweet and savory snacks, such as cookies or scones.
Even more intricate are the green tea rituals of Japan, which elevate the preparation and consumption of tea to a meditative art form. Engaging with these rituals and exploring the deep history of tea offers a uniquely rewarding experience, connecting consumers to the cultural significance and communal spirit that tea embodies.
Caffeine Management
Excessive caffeine consumption can cause health issues, such as cardiovascular damage, dehydration, and exhaustion. This is a huge problem in the US, where we rely heavily on caffeine. Tea and the many varieties thereof, offer consumers more control and choice when it comes to their caffeine consumption. For instance, stronger and longer steeped high-caffeine teas can be consumed in the morning, and one can use increasingly weaker teas throughout the day so as to not disrupt sleep or put stress on oneโs cardiovascular system. Finally, one can end the night with one of the many different decaffeinated teas.
Many Ways to Consume
Tea, like coffee, can be consumed in a myriad of different ways. There is hot tea, but also iced tea and cold brew steeped tea. There are also carbonated tea beverages that are increasing in popularity too. Tea can also be used as an ingredient in other things as well, such as popsicles, cocktails, and lattes. Virtually anything that one can do with coffee, one can also do with tea, and the greater range of flavor profiles and types of tea lends itself to an even more versatile range of consumption.
Physical Health Benefits
Many types of tea have long been known to have physical health benefits. For instance, green and white teas are often rich in antioxidants like catechins, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, while herbal teas like peppermint and turmeric ginger herbal tea can aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Also, certain plants, such as echinacea and elderberry, are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping to fend off colds and infections.
Mental Health Benefits
On top of this, there are types of tea that are renowned for their mental health benefits. The most popular example being black and green teas which can enhance alertness and concentration without the jittery effects often associated with coffee, energy drinks, or other high-caffeine products. Then there are other herbal teas like chamomile and lavender which have calming effects that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Finally, there are also caffeine-free teas known to promote better sleep quality such as chamomile or valerian root tea.
Massive Variety
The world of tea offers an astonishing variety of effects and flavors, captivating enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Today’s globally integrated marketplace provides access to an unprecedented array of teas, ranging from the traditional European black teas to delicate herbal infusions once secluded in remote or inaccessible regions of the world. This diversity surpasses that of many other beverages, inviting tea lovers to explore a global tapestry of tastes and traditions.
As tea’s unique lifestyle benefits are increasingly recognized once again, it may come to compete with coffee and energy drinks, or at least offer a compelling alternative for consumers looking for something a little different. As more discover its diverse advantages, tea is poised to rival traditional stimulants, enriching lives with its myriad health, wellness, and lifestyle benefits beyond a mere energy boost.
