People have been drinking different types of tea for thousands of years. There are countless purported health benefits, some with more scientific support than others, and many different ways to prepare and drink it. Therefore, it is no surprise that many myths have sprung up about this incredibly popular drink. Any specialty tea company should understand these myths.
Things that every specialty tea company should know:
Herbal tea is not tea
Tea as a drink is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. White, green, black and oolong teas may be processed in different ways, but they all have their origins in that same shrub. Herbal tea, on the other hand, is not a true tea. Rather than being made from Camellia sinensis, it can be produced from a variety of different plants using flowers, bark, roots and seeds. The proper name is a tisane. Most (though not all) herbal teas contain no caffeine.
Adding other ingredients does not dilute the health benefits of tea
There is a popular myth that tea is healthiest when it is consumed completely on its own without milk, lemon juice, honey or other popular additives. Scientific research says this is not true. Adding milk has no major impact on the healthiness of tea, while lemon juice or other citric acids can actually improve it. Evidence suggests that citrus can preserve the health-boosting flavonoids in tea. Honey in tea may also improve your concentration and focus.
Green tea can cause weight loss
It seems people will never stop seeking a magical weight loss solution, preferably by finding that one magical ingredient. Unfortunately, weight loss claims are also the ones you should view with the most suspicion. Green tea may help your metabolism, but it is not going to make you lose weight. Most research suggests there is still no substitute for a balanced diet and plenty of exercise.
There is a difference between tea leaves and tea bags
Tea bag technology has improved in recent years, with pyramid-shaped bags allowing larger leaves more room to infuse. They still, however, tend to use the dustier “fannings” of the tea plant rather than the most high-quality leaves, which means they are unlikely to produce the same kind of strong flavor as loose tea. Of course, tea bags may have other advantages in terms of transportation, storage and convenience.
You cannot store tea indefinitely
Some people think that tea can be kept in the cabinet forever and still maintain both its flavor and its nutritional value. Research suggests that after about six months, the antioxidants in tea, including the catechins associated with many of its health benefits, begin to decline. You can, however, improve storage by ensuring your tea is kept dry in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Myths about tea are countless in number, especially when you reach the many alleged health benefits. While there is no doubt that tea can be good for you, it is always best to double-check the science behind any health claims. People will also have their own preferred ways of preparing and drinking their favorite teas, so it is important that any specialty tea company can help them make informed decisions.