It might sound controversial, but it’s the truth: myths shape the world. Don’t they? But to what extent do these myths remain harmless, especially when it comes to something that’s part of our everyday routine—tea?
Tea, a drink that has been a part of our lives for centuries, has its own share of myths that have been passed down through generations. From beliefs about how it should be brewed to the health benefits it supposedly provides, tea myths can often lead us astray.
We’ve all heard the common myth that adding milk to tea destroys its health benefits, or that herbal teas are always caffeine-free. But is there any truth to these claims? And more importantly, are these myths influencing the way we enjoy our tea or even the way we perceive its role in our lives?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths surrounding tea, explore where they come from, and separate fact from fiction:
1. Tea Cures Cancer
Many people easily believe this myth, but it’s a significant misconception. There is no scientific evidence yet that tea can kill cancerous cells, but why have people concluded that tea cures cancer?
It’s because several cancer patients consume green tea. Although there isn’t strong evidence yet it has been observed that green tea improves immunity to fight against cancerous cells. Not only this it rid of the toxins in the body, but it also improves energy levels.
No doubt, there is a study conducted by PubMed Central, National Center for Biotechnology Information which suggested that tea can help in delaying cancer onset and reducing cancer incidence but that is the extent of it.
2. Tea bags are better than loose tea leaves
It doesn’t take a genius to wonder whether tea infuses better in tea bags or with loose tea leaves. Compared to tea bags, loose tea leaves have much more space to interact with water, allowing for a deeper infusion and, consequently, better flavour.
On the other hand, tea bags are often filled with tea dust and packaged in materials like bleached silk or corn plastic, which are not environmentally friendly.
While tea bags are undeniably more convenient to carry and use, they simply can’t replace the richness of loose tea leaves.
3. Tea causes dehydration
It’s a common belief that tea causes dehydration, yet people continue to enjoy cup after cup. Tea is essentially a blend of water, milk, and tea leaves—a flavoured water. And water, by itself, doesn’t dehydrate, right?
While drinking excessive amounts of tea can potentially lead to dehydration because anything in excess can have negative effects, enjoying tea in moderation will actually keep you hydrated. Try Sugandh Elaichi Tea for a refreshing and hydrating experience.
4. Green tea helps you lose weight
No doubt, green tea can support weight management, but it’s not a magic solution that can transform you overnight!
Getting in shape takes more than just tea. If you are doing some regular activities then green tea can boost the benefits you are gaining from the same. It boosts metabolism and aids energy burning. Also, regular consumption can help prevent unnecessary fat storage.
5. Tea leaves have an eternal shelf life
Even though tea leaves are dry and most people think that what’s going to go wrong with it, the truth is that tea leaves have a shelf life of up to 6 months. After that, they won’t be spoiled much but the catechins level is reduced, thus making the tea leaves harmful to your health.
So, consume your tea at the right time. Also, try storing your tea in a dry, dark, and cool place. Consider Sugandh Premium Assam Tea for a fresh and high-quality option.
6. Milk eliminates the health benefits of tea
Adding milk to the tea isn’t considered a healthy option, but what we don’t remember is that milk has calcium in it.
Although there were studies that indicated that milk might reduce the health benefits, recently some studies have suggested that the catechins and thus antioxidants levels in a tea remain the same even after adding milk to it.
7. Peppermint Tea is best for stomach issues
Never consume peppermint tea for an upset stomach. Mint does act as the coolant but pepper irritates the intestinal hair.
The best tea to keep your stomach happy and healthy is turmeric herbal tea and turmeric ginger tea. These two have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help in flushing out the harmful toxins out of the body.
So, never go for peppermint when your stomach is not well!
8. Black tea is supposed to be black
This sounds so true but it’s not! The name of this tea has nothing to do with the colour of it. You can add milk, honey, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger or cloves and enjoy it with different colours. Even though it won’t remain black, it would still have the same high antioxidant levels which is what black tea is known for. Try Sugandh Masala Tea for a delightful experience.
9. Only green tea is rich in antioxidants
Green tea is healthy but it’s not the only tea that’s rich in antioxidants. There are various other teas that are good. Actually, the antioxidant levels of different teas are dependent on their manufacturing process. Some of the antioxidant-rich teas are hibiscus tea, white tea, and oolong tea. Check out Sugandh Rose Green Tea for an antioxidant boost.
10. The caffeine level in tea is the same as in coffee
This could have been true seeing how people consume tea to attain energy as soon as they wake up, but the caffeine levels in tea and coffee are quite different. Also, caffeine levels in tea are quite dependent on the brewing methods.
If you want to drink with much lesser caffeine levels, then you can go for herbal teas.
Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a ritual, a source of comfort, and a tradition rooted in history. But like any age-old practice, it comes with its fair share of myths that often cloud its true essence.
From misconceptions about green tea’s weight-loss capabilities to debates over whether milk cancels out health benefits, these myths have influenced how we enjoy and understand tea. The truth is, that tea offers numerous benefits—boosting metabolism, calming the mind, and providing antioxidants—but it isn’t a miracle solution.
What really matters is balance. Choosing quality tea, brewing it correctly, and consuming it in moderation are the keys to unlocking its full potential. Cheers to debunking myths, one sip at a time!