Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

2025-10-05 20:16:00, Blog CNA

Tea originated in ancient China, with its earliest use as a medicinal beverage around 2700 BC before becoming an everyday drink in the 3rd century AD. It spread to Japan by the 13th century and was brought to Europe by the Dutch East India Company in 1610, becoming popular in Britain when Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II in 1662. The British Empire later introduced tea cultivation to India and Sri Lanka, establishing it as a global beverage.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Origin and Early Spread

Legend has it that the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when the leaves of a tea tree (Camellia sinensis) fell into his cup of hot water. Initially, tea was consumed as a medicinal drink. By the 3rd century AD, it had become an everyday drink and cultivation and processing began. Tea was established as a national drink during this period (618–906 AD), and the first book on tea, the Ch'a Ching, was written.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Spread to Japan and Europe

The seeds were brought to Japan around the 8th century, with cultivation becoming established by the 13th century. The Dutch East India Company brought the first shipment of tea from China to Europe in 1610. Tea drinking was initially seen as medicinal in Europe before becoming a fashionable beverage when the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II, introduced it to the English nobility in 1662.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Types of tea

The six main types of "true" tea, white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and pu-erh, all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and are distinguished by their processing, particularly the level of oxidation. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or rooibos, are beverages made from other plants and are not technically tea.

White Tea: The least processed type of tea, it is unoxidized and usually consists of young buds and leaves that are simply dried and unoxidized.

Yellow Tea: This type of tea is unfermented and unoxidized, but is allowed to yellow through a unique process of covering and withering, resulting in a delicate flavor.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Green Tea: Green tea is not allowed to oxidize after harvest, which is achieved by steaming or pan-frying the leaves. This preserves its fresh, grassy flavor.

Oolong Tea: Oolong is partially oxidized, which involves a process of withering, blackening, and partial oxidation of the leaves, creating a wide spectrum of flavors.

Black Tea: Fully oxidized, black tea gets its dark color and strong aroma from the process of wilting and complete oxidation of the leaves.

Pu-erh Tea: This is an unfermented tea that includes green tea that is left to ferment or compost over time, giving it a unique profile and aged flavor.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Health benefits of tea

Tea offers benefits such as antioxidant protection against chronic diseases such as heart disease and some cancers, while potentially supporting weight management and bone health. It contains polyphenols and flavonoids, especially in green tea, which help fight oxidative stress in the body.

Rich in antioxidants: Tea contains polyphenols, such as flavonoids and catechins, which fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Cardiovascular health: Studies link regular tea consumption to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Weight management: Green tea, rich in catechins, can help increase metabolism and burn calories, potentially aiding in weight loss.

Bone health: Some research suggests that drinking tea may help protect your bones.

Strengthening the immune system: Tea can help strengthen the immune system.

Modern Consumption and Global Trends

In modern times, tea remains a widely consumed global beverage, with consumption varying by culture and age group, and evolving through innovations such as tea bags and ready-to-drink formats. While some demographics are moving away from traditional black tea, there is a growing focus on wellness-oriented herbal teas and the incorporation of tea into trendy ready-to-drink products, reflecting both established traditions and contemporary markets.

Tea, the ancient drink/ History, types and many health benefits

Widespread Popularity: Tea is enjoyed all over the world for a variety of reasons, including relaxation, spirituality, tradition, and pleasure, making it more than just a beverage.

Emerging Markets: New formats, such as canned sparkling teas and bottled kombucha, are emerging to appeal to younger consumers and the “food deal” market.

Wellness Focus: There is a growing interest in herbal teas, which are being integrated into wellness brands and offer benefits like antioxidants and immune support. /CNA