The Brooke Bond White Paper Study on Tea commissioned by Brooke Bond, a part of Hindustan Unilever Ltd, and conducted by AC Nielsen reveals several misconceptions prevalent about this centuries’ old beverage.
The Study reveals that though Tea is the most popular beverage in India, 77% of the consumers surveyed actually believe that Tea is unhealthy - and the cause of various ailments like acidity and nausea; it is addictive, bad for children and causes skin darkening. About 61% of the respondents believe Tea is considered traditional and for the older generation -- in fact, the perception amongst the youth of today is that beverages like energy drinks and juices are healthier than Tea.
Certain myths demystified are:
Myth : Tea contains more caffeine than coffee
A cup of tea contains about a third of the caffeine in an average cup of filtered coffee and proportionately much less compared to a mug espresso. A 998 MAFF survey states that caffeine in the right amounts actually does you a l t of good. It makes ou alert and has positive effects on psychological lift. The next time you need a drink, skip the cappuccinos nd lattes and opt for the good old masala chai.
Myth: Tea causes acidity
Tea per se does not cause acidity. In fact, research has shown that the hot water extract of black tea possesses anti ulcer activity. So, throw out those fizzy drinks and opt for the healthier tea. A study by S. Maity, J R Vedasiromoni, D K Ganguly on the anti-ulcer effect of the hot water extract of black tea published in Journal of Ethnopharmocology, 1995 reiterates this fact.
Myth: Tea is bad for bone health
For years, it was believed that certain components of tea, such as caffeine and fluoride, weaken the bones. However, recent research suggests that drinking tea can
actually have a positive effect on bones. Certain studies among older women have found that women who drank three or more cups of tea a day had better bone density as compared to women who were non-tea drinkers. And with our Indian palate demanding a milky concoction, we tend to get a fair daily dose of calcium too. Studies show that four cups of tea-with-milk a day accounts for 21% of an adult's daily calcium requirements.
Myth: Tea contains too much fluoride, which can be harmful
Fluoride is known to protect teeth from cavities and dental ailments. The tea plant accumulates fluoride from the soil and is therefore a natural source of nourishment for the teeth. In fact, tea is proved to prevent plaque formation and the flavonoids are believed to increase acid resistance of enamel and act as an antibacterial. What's important is that the levels of fluoride in the system due to consumption of tea are
far lower than what is needed to cause skeletal fluorosis.
Also Read:
Is India losing a generation of Tea drinkers?