Tea, the most popular drink after water, is under threat. 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.
“India has seen a sea of change in everything; from gizmos to lifestyle patterns. The rise of convenience culture has created a leaning towards new age, but unhealthier beverages like aerated drinks and canned juices. It is necessary to propagate the natural goodness of Tea and bust myths, lest this healthy beverage dies an unnatural death,” says Harpreet Singh Tibb, Regional Brand Director for Beverages, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, who unveiled the Study findings.
Brooke Bond has over 140 years of Tea expertise and has been catering to the diverse preferences of consumers across the country. As the market leader in Tea, Brooke Bond has always been at the forefront of new initiatives in the category. With the aim to spread awareness, dispel myths and misconceptions existing around Tea and educate people on the health benefits of Tea, Brooke Bond today unveiled the Brooke Bond Tea Council.
The Brooke Bond Tea Council comprises of experts from the tea and health fraternity who have joined hands to change existing perceptions on tea to establish its health credentials. The Council has distinguished representatives from various fields - Nutritionists like Dr Anjali Mukerjee and Ms Ishi Khosla; Dr N. Muraleedharan, Advisor of United Plantation Association of South India (UPASI); Dr Gautam Banerjee, Scientist, Hindustan Unilever Research Centre (HURC); and Mr. Sanjiv Chatterji, Tea Excellence Centre, Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
Tea is indeed a SuperFood – it has a host of goodies with various health benefits. Flavonoids, which are naturally present in many other foods such as vegetables, fruits, wine, whole grains and tea, with tea being one of the richest source of these Flavonoids, are known to be beneficial for the heart. L-theanine is an amino acid, found almost exclusively in both green and black tea and is known for its mind benefits. Weight management, immunity and oral health are among other benefits of tea. It is, in fact, a health supplement that has a multidimensional role which, apart from having cardio-protective effects and effects on mental and physical lethargy, can also contribute to oral health and complement a weight management diet and health regime.
The Brooke Bond Tea Council, therefore, encourages an average Indian to drink three cups of tea daily to help contribute to good health. As part of the initiative, Brooke Bond Tea Council unveiled a health paper, detailing the findings of the Brooke Bond Survey as well as tea’s history and its proven health benefits.
The Brooke Bond Tea Council aims to be the tea industry’s thought leader. The Council will initiate interesting initiatives that can help identify issues, correct misconceptions and spread awareness to make tea a healthy beverage and restore it to its rightful place as our national beverage.
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Brooke Bond Tea Council demystifies myths about tea