Tea, this tiny leaf, carries the sediment of time and embodies the essence of nature, becoming our unique favorite. In every Cup of tea, we seem to taste the passage of time and feel the flavor of life.

The fresh leaves of the tea plant have a high water content, up to 75-80%, while the dry matter constitutes 22-25%. This seemingly simple ratio nurtures the myriad transformations and unique charm of tea. There are over 700 chemical components in tea leaves, and even more diverse compounds are formed during processing. When we savor tea, we experience its delicate layers, from bitterness and astringency to sweetness and a lingering aftertaste, as well as an array of fragrances like floral, fruity, beany, tender, honey-like, and more—all due to the rich variety of substances in the leaves.

In the world of tea, three components are particularly important, often referred to as the “three treasures” of tea—polyphenols, alkaloids (primarily Caffeine), and amino acids (mainly theanine). Why are they called “characteristic components”? This is because they meet a series of specific criteria.

First, these components are unique to tea, being rare in other plants but abundant in tea leaves. Polyphenols, also known as tannins, are a group of polyphenolic substances found in tea plants. Although caffeine's name suggests Coffee, the amount of caffeine in tea is actually higher than in coffee. Theanine is an amino acid unique to tea, hardly found in other plants.

Second, they are water-soluble, dissolving in water when brewed, allowing us to experience their presence in each sip.

Third, they produce distinct physiological reactions in the body. Different components bring about different effects.

Polyphenols can be likened to a “preservative” for the human body. In tea, polyphenols make up 18-36%, one of the core components. Research on the antioxidant functions of tea invariably centers around polyphenols. Free radicals act as disruptors, attacking and damaging our body tissues and cells, leading to aging, organ dysfunction, skin deterioration, and cancer. Polyphenols, however, act like brave guardians, diligently eliminating free radicals to keep our bodies vibrant.

Caffeine is the “energizer and fatigue-fighter” in tea. The caffeine content in tea is relatively high, with stimulating, invigorating, diuretic, and fatigue-relieving effects. After drinking a cup of tea, feeling refreshed is due to the action of caffeine. In the past, people valued tea primarily for its energizing properties. Simple farmers, even faced with coarse tea, would lose strength without the nourishment of tea.

Theanine is a natural “calming agent.” In the family of amino acids in tea, theanine is the highest and most unique component, almost exclusively found in tea. If caffeine can invigorate, theanine can calm. These two complement each other, giving tea both energizing and calming properties without excessive excitement. Theanine, known as a “natural calming agent,” can help focus attention. The effects of caffeine manifest quickly, while the calming effects of theanine and its memory-enhancing benefits require longer-term accumulation to fully display.

Individually, these components have unique advantages, but when they come together in a cup of tea, their interactions generate a stronger energy. From an international balanced nutrition perspective, the composition of tea is most reasonable, playing a critical balancing role in human nutrition and metabolism.

Tea is not just a beverage; it's a culture, an attitude towards life. It accompanies us through countless peaceful moments, offering solace to our souls. In our busy lives, brewing a cup of tea allows the delicate aroma to linger by our side and the warm taste to flow across our tongues, gradually dissipating all worries and leaving only inner peace and tranquility.

The world of tea is like a vivid and colorful scroll, waiting for us to explore and savor. Each leaf carries the bounty of nature, and every cup contains countless stories. Let us immerse ourselves in the world of tea, experiencing its unique flavors and charms, and share beautiful times with tea as our companion.

Through the long years, tea remains a faithful friend, always by our side, witnessing our joys and sorrows, accompanying us through life's ups and downs. It tells the story of time with its unique language, conveying the warmth of life. Let us cherish every cup of tea, cherish the time spent with tea, and let its elegance shine brightly in our lives forever.