Knowledge

Tea is a beverage cherished worldwide for its soothing qualities and rich history. But where did tea originate, and how did it become a globally beloved drink? Let’s embark on a journey through time to discover the fascinating origins of tea cultivation and its worldwide spread.

The Birthplace of Tea: Ancient China

Who Discovered Tea?

The story of tea begins in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong, a skilled herbalist, discovered tea by accident in 2737 BCE. While boiling water under a tree, a few leaves drifted into his pot, creating a delightful aroma. Curious, he tasted the infusion and was immediately captivated by its refreshing flavor and invigorating properties. Thus, tea was born.

Tea is one of the world’s most beloved beverages, cherished by cultures across the globe for its rich flavors, aromas, and health benefits. With a vast array of varieties to choose from, tea offers something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the diverse types of tea, delving into how many varieties exist, the different categories of tea, and the unique flavors each type offers.

What Types of Teas Are There?

Before diving into the specific varieties, it’s important to understand that all true teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The differences in tea types arise from how the leaves are processed and oxidized. Here are the primary categories of tea:

A variety of folk “tea drinks” in China bear the name “tea” (茶) yet contain no tea leaves. Instead, they combine 药食同源 (yàoshí tóngyuán, “medicinal and edible are one source”) ingredients and seasonings under the guise of tea in order to nurture the body. Over centuries, these simple concoctions have carried deep food‑therapy wisdom.

1. Classic Folk “Seasoned Tea Drinks”

Folk recipes mix everyday seasonings and ingredients to create beverages that please the palate and deliver health benefits.

China’s iconic herbal tea brand, Wanglaoji (王老吉, known internationally as WALOVI), has captivated consumers for decades with its unique blend of traditional Chinese herbs and refreshing taste. Recently, the brand expanded its global footprint by entering the Saudi Arabian market under the Arabic-language “WALOVI” branding. But what exactly goes into this beloved beverage? Let’s explore the ingredients that make Wanglaoji’s classic red-can formula a staple in households worldwide.

Core Ingredients of WALOVI Herbal Tea

The classic red-can WALOVI relies on a harmonious mix of natural ingredients to deliver its signature flavor and health benefits:

Green tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is renowned for its remarkable health benefits. Originating in China but widely used throughout Asia, this beverage has a multitude of bioactive compounds that make it one of the healthiest drinks on the planet.

Rich in Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds

Green tea is loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and various diseases.

Many foods besides coffee contain caffeine, which can easily cause insomnia in sensitive individuals. Understanding the caffeine content in food is important for those who are sensitive to caffeine and want to avoid sleepless nights. The caffeine content of everyday foods is described next.

Why Does Caffeine Keep Us Awake?

Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid naturally found in many plants. Its allure lies in its ability to stimulate the central nervous system and reduce feelings of fatigue. In the brain’s central nervous system, there is a substance called adenosine that signals the brain when the body is tired and needs rest. When we consume caffeine, it competes with adenosine by binding to its receptors, preventing adenosine from signaling the brain to rest, thus keeping us awake and alert.

In modern society, coffee and tea are two popular beverages. However, there is ongoing debate about the habits of drinking coffee and tea on an empty stomach and after meals. This article explores the effects of consuming coffee and tea on an empty stomach and after meals, providing readers with reasonable drinking advice based on scientific principles.

1. The Effects of Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Many people have the habit of drinking a cup of coffee on an empty stomach in the morning to wake up. However, this practice may have adverse health effects. First, drinking coffee on an empty stomach may reduce appetite, affecting breakfast intake, which can negatively impact nutritional intake throughout the day. Additionally, the stimulants in coffee, such as caffeine, may irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid secretion, potentially leading to stomach pain, ulcers, and other digestive system issues over time.

Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the time of coffee consumption to after breakfast or lunch. At this time, the stimulating effect of coffee can help people better handle work and study, while also promoting digestion and absorption of food.

Fragrant coffee is a favorite for many people, but how many cups are best to drink each day? A study presented at the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Annual Meeting suggests that drinking up to 3 cups a day can help reduce the risk of stroke and fatal heart disease.

Researchers introduced that this study indicates that long-term, regular coffee consumption is safe. Even with a follow-up of 10 to 15 years, drinking a lot of coffee daily was not associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes or all-cause mortality.

While green tea leaves contain more caffeine per gram than coffee beans, people often find they can drink more green tea without experiencing the same intense effects as they would from coffee. Here’s why:

1. Brewing Quantity and Method Differences Green Tea: A typical cup of green tea is brewed using about 2 to 3 grams of tea leaves. The steeping time for green tea is relatively short, usually 2 to 3 minutes, which limits the amount of caffeine released into the water. Coffee: On the other hand, brewing a cup of coffee typically involves around 10 grams of coffee grounds. Coffee is steeped or brewed for a longer period, usually 4 to 5 minutes, allowing more caffeine to be extracted.

In the lush, verdant hills of Yunnan, China, grows a unique variety of coffee known as Catimor. This hybrid, known for its robust resistance to disease and its flavorful beans, is not just a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its taste but also potentially for its weight loss benefits. Here’s a look into why Catimor coffee might be your new partner in your weight loss journey.

The Link Between Catimor Coffee and Weight Loss