Tea, this ancient and magical beverage, carries with it a millennium of culture and wisdom, like a dear old friend quietly accompanying humanity through the ages.
From the towering mountains of China to Teacups around the world, the story of tea is rich and diverse. Fresh tea leaves, seemingly ordinary, harbor countless mysteries. Water makes up 75% to 80% of their composition, while dry matter accounts for 22% to 25%. It is this seemingly ordinary dry matter that, upon separation and analysis, reveals over 700 chemical components, which can further react during processing to form even more unique elements. It is precisely because of these components that when we savor tea, we can experience its complex layers of bitterness, astringency, sweetness, aftertaste, and the floral, fruity, beany, tender, and honey-like aromas that unfold like blossoming flowers.
Among the many chemical components, tea polyphenols, Caffeine, and Theanine are known as the “three treasures” of tea, characteristic components of tea leaves. Tea polyphenols, also known as tea tannins, are a total sum of specific polyphenolic substances found in the tea plant, and their antioxidant properties have garnered significant attention. Research on the antioxidant properties of tea invariably focuses on tea polyphenols, which act like preservatives for the human body, defending against the attack and damage of free radicals on tissues and cells, delaying aging, preventing disease, protecting skin health, and reducing the risk of cancer.
Caffeine, despite sharing a name with Coffee, is present in higher concentrations in tea. It has remarkable effects such as invigoration, stimulation, diuresis, and fatigue relief. When we feel refreshed after drinking a cup of tea, it is caffeine at work. In the past, people's affection for tea was largely due to its stimulating and refreshing effects, especially among hardworking farmers who felt as though they lacked strength without tea by their side.
Theanine, an amino acid specific to tea leaves, is extremely rare in other plants. It acts like a natural sedative, complementing the effects of caffeine. While caffeine invigorates, theanine provides calming effects, enhancing focus. Professor Wang Yuefei points out that the effects of caffeine are short-term, while the calming and memory-enhancing benefits of theanine require long-term accumulation to become noticeable.
Individually, these components have their unique merits, but when combined in a cup of tea, they interact to generate even greater energy. From the perspective of international balanced nutrition, the composition of tea is perfectly balanced, playing a harmonious role in human nutrition and metabolism.
Tea is not just a beverage; it is a culture and a way of life. It accompanies us through countless days and nights, offering warmth and comfort. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, a fragrant cup of tea allows us to momentarily forget the world's noise and immerse ourselves in tranquility. It bears witness to our gatherings and farewells, carrying our joys and sorrows. Whether shared in happy times with loved ones or savored alone in moments of solitude, tea is always there.
Globally, tea is undoubtedly one of the greatest beverages. Every year, 90 billion cups of tea are consumed worldwide, far surpassing the 60 billion cups of coffee and 10 billion cups of cola. Apart from water, tea is the most consumed and widely enjoyed beverage. It transcends borders, races, and cultures, becoming a universal favorite.
Let us cherish this treasure in our cups and savor every sip with our hearts. Amidst the aroma of tea, let us feel nature's gift and explore the essence of life. Let tea become our spiritual anchor, accompanying us through every journey of life. Whether it is the first ray of morning sunshine shining on the teacup or the warm aroma of tea under the night lights, tea will forever be a precious presence, exuding its unique charm.
Throughout history, the story of tea continues, constantly writing new chapters and bringing more beauty and joy to humanity. Let us raise our cups together in tribute to this great beverage, allowing its fragrance to linger forever in our hearts.