Tea has become the most popular, most widely enjoyed, and most beneficial green beverage for physical and mental health around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about drinking tea. Below, the editor will help readers clear up 9 common myths about tea drinking.

Myth 1:

White tea and black tea come from different plants. Both white tea and black tea come from the tea plant, but they are processed differently. Black tea undergoes a fermentation process, whereas after the tender leaves of white tea are picked, they are only pan-fired (kill-green), not rolled, and then sun-dried or dried over low heat.

Myth 2:

White tea and green tea are essentially the same. Among all teas, white tea has the highest antioxidant content and the lowest caffeine content.

Myth 3:

Milk does not counteract the health benefits of tea. A recent study in the European Heart Journal found that the casein in milk binds to the catechins in tea, so adding milk to tea can undermine its ability to prevent heart disease.

Myth 4:

Tea contains more caffeine than coffee. Research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that a cup of tea contains one-third the caffeine of a cup of coffee.

Myth 5:

Drinking too much tea easily leads to dehydration. Although tea is a diuretic, its diuretic effect gradually diminishes due to the caffeine. In addition, tea is 99% water, which can help the body maintain adequate hydration and prevent dehydration. White tea is the best for rehydrating the body.

Myth 6:

Drinking tea harms teeth. Tea is a natural source of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. Regularly drinking tea also helps prevent dental plaque from combining with sugars in the mouth to produce acid, thereby avoiding tooth damage.

Myth 7:

Drinking tea causes excess stomach acid. Tea is an alkaline food, and the claim that "drinking tea causes excess stomach acid" is completely unfounded. In fact, black tea can help prevent stomach ulcers.

Myth 8:

Boiled tea tastes better. Tea leaves only need to be brewed with hot water; there is no need to boil them. Boiled tea will taste more bitter.

Myth 9:

Drinking tea causes insomnia. Tea contains caffeine, which does have a stimulating effect, and excessive intake can affect sleep. However, a growing body of research shows that the amino acid L-theanine in tea has a positive effect on improving sleep quality.