Green Tea Cancer Fighting Ability

It has been known since ages that tea has disease prevention abilities. In ancient times the brew was consumed for its health giving properties. In recent times lot of attention has been paid towards the beneficial aspects of  tea.    

The chemicals in the hot tea brew contain antioxidants that fight cancer by neutralizing the free radicals. Free radicals induce mutation by damaging the DNA inside the human cells. A polyphenol known as ECGC is effective in preventing the development and proliferation of cancer cells in the human body. The compounds assist the cell to die out which the cancer cells are unable to do. This activity shrinks or completely reduces tumors in various parts of the body. ECGC also increases vascular elasticity and hence improves cardiovascular health. A daily dose of tea extract is effective in this role.

Free radicals are also responsible for aging. The consumption of three to four cups of this beverage brings in the anti aging effect. Other chemical compounds in green tea play a proactive role. Green tea also contains anti viral compounds which help tackle infections.     

The beneficial chemicals in green tea are known as flavonoids, catechins and poly phenols. These chemicals have a synergistic effect in conjunction and benefit human health by fighting serious disease. Major benefits accrue when organic green tea is consumed which  is devoid of harmful substances. Organic tea plant cultivation is done without the use of pesticides and fertilizers.      

History of tea in brief

Tea has been consumed in many countries since thousands of years. First creditable records appear from China dating back to the 3rd century AD. The use in earlier period may have been for medicinal purpose and its use as beverage may have been accidental.  

The tea may have been used similarly in Eastern India but there are no records. The tea was introduced into India during the 19th century by the British. They used Chinese Seed and cultivation technique on large scale of lands cleared for tea plantation. Some local Assamese variety was also cultivated. Today India is the largest producer of tea leaf after China and exports a substantial amount in bulk and packets. Several varieties of tea is grown in many countries now but not on very large scale.  

Eventually tea become popular among the Indian masses as late as 1950. This was due to aggressive promotion by the rulers. Today it has become a lifestyle product with it being consumed daily in the morning and evening. Tea is served almost any time of the day to visitors and business associates etc. 

The number of varieties of this wonderful brew is mind boggling with Assam Black and Darjeeling Green being the connoisseurs choice. The leaf after blending by experts is available in many kinds of packing. The carton is most popular followed by tea bags and plastic jars. Tea leaf is also available in loose bags or big cartons. 

The brew is consumed without milk in many countries. In India it is prepared with milk and sugar. Another Indian brew that is very popular is the Masala Chai or Spiced tea. This is actually a mixture of tea leaf with suitable spices offering additional flavor to the taste. A vast variety of spices are used to blend with the leaf. Some of the spices added have medicinal properties along with a distinct aroma.          

For more information read History of Tea
 

Tea Lounge - Doorway to a relaxed cheerful ambiance

It is a bar no it is a coffee shop no you buy snacks here. Well it is a tea lounge. These places comes in various shapes and size. Some are created out of a barn or a garage while the rest are upmarket posh restaurants that serve tea in various flavors. 

Wagh Bakri Tea Company has established to upmarket lounges one in New Delhi and other in Mumbai. These are bars where you can relax and sip the hot beverage. The choice is yours the tea company specializes in blending the finest leaves from all over India. These are processed and packed in hygienic conditions to be marketed in India and many other countries.    

The five star lounges are plush with warm interiors and located uptown. They serve hot tea beverage ranging from Darjeeling to finest black tea from Assam. You can order instant premix, iced teas and masala chai the latter being a ranging concept all over the Globe.    

In college days I used to frequent the coffee houses in Jabalpur. These were community places where you could sit for hours gossip, chat or fall into an intellectual discussion over a cup of coffee. Hence these houses were frequented by regulars mostly retired people, recluse and people who had nothing much to do. Well it was fun for us and we still do it but not most often. 

This is what the tea lounges promise - a community place with an added advantage of modern decor and stylish ambiance. In things is what you would refer them as well more are to come. These are for those who like cheerful places with delicious hot beverages and not the murky dingy alcohol bars.        

Green Tea Healthy or Not

The whole world is abuzz with a wonder that is green tea. Be it health benefits, weight loss and magical cure for major diseases. This is the most talked about beverage in the World. 

Though limited studies have been carried out on green tea health benefits the gains are obvious. First of all the tea itself is beneficial as it contains antioxidants and other healthy chemicals. It cheers what can be more healthy? 

Constant research is yielding positive results about the gains from drinking green tea. If we take this beverage and compare it with black tea which is consumed the most all over the World then green tea comes out to be the winner. 

The process in case of green tea is much short which helps preserve antioxidants and other healthy chemicals. This is not so in the case of black leaf where processing is longer with greater exposure to sun.   

The magic chemical is catechin which prevents damage from free radicals. These free radicals cause cancer and damage the free radical.  

How much green tea to drink? 

Well I personally believe that consumption of this hot beverage should be as a matter to routine. Consume it as an when you like to drink tea in your daily life. Normally people consume this hot beverage during the morning and evening that would amount to four cups. I would also suggest to drink it before night sleep. This would clear the whole oral cavity besides relaxing your nerves to augur sound sleep.  

There are many brands of green tea available in the market. Most of these are affordable but organic tea brands are costlier. The tea exporters process. blend and pack green tea in countries like India and China.  

Green Tea: Weight Loss & Health Benefits It Works

It Works! You can loose weight by drinking green tea.

Research has shown and proven the health benefits of  green tea thanks to rich amount of antioxidants present in the leaf.

Research  Medical Studies Blah Blah! Lets come to the nitty gritty! Try it and see for yourself. relish the wonder brew every time you think of your health.

Regular tea drinkers have improved heart mechanism hence lower risk of disease.  It lowers blood pressure and fine tunes your digestive system.  Better metabolism means less risk of disease and obesity. 

A regulated hunger means weight loss! I have myself experienced absence of gluttonous craving for food after a cup of tea. Regular tea consumption about four or five time a day certainly regulates your diet.

All the green goodies present in the leaf help ward of disease and regulate your body mechanism/metabolism.

For all you know some fat burning chemicals in the leaf may chisel your body into shape. 

It is a trial the establishes fact but by the time a concrete evidence (you are looking for) emerges it will certainly be late for you so get unto the cup cheers. Long Life!     

Indian Tea: Make your own brew

Tea like elsewhere is brewed in various manner in India. The most popular is the black leaf from Assam and Nilgiri. Black and green tea from Darjeeling are of premium variety consumed by connoisseurs and the upper class.   

Black tea brew is less popular in India but is consumed by many whence milk is a difficult commodity. The chai is popular all over India and is brewed with addition of cow, buffalo and goats milk. In rural India sugary brew is much preferred as a tradition. 

Masses like plain and simple chai without any addition, milk being an exception. But in winters some other forms of tea are consumed. 

My best combination is shreds of ginger and cardamom added to the boiling liqueur. This is a wonderful mix and gives relief from cold and indigestion as well. Some consumers add a dash of lemon to black tea. Another good addition to the brew is cinnamon. If you add in right quantity the flavor and aroma is magnificent

Some health conscious drinkers add lemon grass especially to ward of cold and bad throat. For me ginger does this job well. There are various mix of masalas available in packets all over the country. Some of these are fine blends and add to the taste of the brew.    

Many with subtle taste add varying quantity of milk in black tea. I like chai this way it is mostly available in cafe, restaurants and Indian Railways. Read more on Chai Tea in India.  

Tea in India

Of all the conquerors the British had a long lasting impact on the people of India. They introduced many things that are still a part of Indian society. Like the English language, tea was propagated during the Raj and both have proved beneficial.    

Tea leaf grew since ages in the wilds of Eastern India and China and was unheard of in many parts of the country. Early morning intake was milk and jelebi a spiraled  sweet made of flour deep fried and then dipped in tons sugar syrup. The leafs were used as medicine during the 18th and 19th century in the country.

The plantations came into picture during the late 18th century. The promotional campaign started by Indian Tea Association slowly and painstakingly popularized the hot beverage all over. The brew made inroads into the heart mind and tongues of the people of this country.   

Today India is the largest producer of tea leaf in the World. The blending and tasting is an art that few can master and these are the masters who deliver the finest brew to our doorstep. Tea is grown in Assam, Darjeeling, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These are high quality leaves and have found favors in International Markets.

Chai is the most popular form which is brewed with addition of milk and sugar. The masala chai in addition contains herbs and spices which are medicinal in nature and add to the flavor and taste. Most popular addition in the brew is ginger, cardamom and garam masala.  This tea is consumed mostly in winters.   

The most popular form is the black leaf consumed all over the country. It is made into chai and rarely drunk without addition of milk. The chai stalls are ubiquitous and most visited. It is a favorite past time of India to visit these stalls relaxation and friendly chat.   

A cup that cheers

In gloomy weather it is the cup that cheers. On a dark rainy day the clouds hang over you like bales of cotton soaked in black dye. Nothing can be more depressing than this while many would lean on Bacchus I prefer hot sizzling tea.  

This moment is best to consume the black tea and if it is from Darjeeling enjoy the Aroma as well. The hot beverage is a bundle of delights bad weather or good weather the brew gets you roaring. For long winter walks a flask and a mug will rejuvenate you and double your capacity to fight the bitter cold.  During my birding tours in the North this works the best in snow covered mountainous regions of Nainital. 

There are millions on Earth who reach for a cup of tea the first thing in the morning. Some drink this beverage all day long and for some it is a ritualistic or ceremonial indulgence. In summers you can sip tea during early mornings and late evening but not during the day unless it is ice tea. The ice tea is a recent introduction but has not caught the fancy of connoisseurs and regulars. 

Tea is all about robust aroma and subtle taste that tingles your taste buds no end. I am loggerheads with those who go for dark chai with flavor of over cooked burnt out constituents. Herbal tea is another thing that I cannot fathom this concoctions of  exotic herbs contains no tea leaf  and is more beneficial for the sick and ailing. But tea is health, tea is fun than why go for weird concoctions?   

Tea & Gujju Accompaniments

The best way to have tea is to drink it with some yummy snacks well many do. There are some traditional goodies that go down with this wonderful beverage in India.  The most common is the standard gota, bhajia, chewda, sev, and biscuits which go well during the evening tea session.  

A more generous savory would be the Indian Samosa which is very popular in North and Central India. Aloo Bonda is another savory that goes well along with the chai. The main ingredient in both the accompaniments is Aloo or potato which is mixed with lot of spices. The Samosa mix is then enclosed in a pancake shaped triangular by hand and then deep fried.  Aloo Bonda mix is dipped in a gram batter, shaped into round balls and deep fried.

People with western taste prefer cookies and cup cakes with this brew. But nothing beats the traditional Sev or Chiwda which is available everywhere and is ready to eat.  My personal preference is Samosa from chosen roadside stalls. This is one of the yummiest snack food available in India that beats its western counterparts like burger and pizza hands down. In Gujarat a type of samosa invented is flat crisp and small. They are  stuffed with lentils, potatoes etc and served with different types of chutneys. These are also known as Navtal ke Samosa they work well with tea.      

For those with desire to stomach something heavier then Aloo Paratha and or Bhakri with white butter is best during the breakfast. Sandwiches also go down well with the breakfast chai but nothing beats the two described here. Gujaratis have mastered the art of making different types of Indian breads right from Kakhara, Dhebra, Bazre Ka Rotla and many more, these are excellent accompaniments. Another yummy that goes down well is the Dhokla or its variant the Khaman. Methi na Gota and Handwo are a treat for snack lovers.   

Gujarati cuisine is one of the most varied in the World. Traditionally bent towards vegetarian, the number of snack foods are astounding. The Gujjus have stomach for light food but some dishes can bend you over. 

Best tea brand

In my opinion Wagh Bakri Tea is the best tea brand in India. The large company is a family controlled business with years of expertise in the trade. In this World of  mega corporations the company is showing rapid growth upwards against stiff competition.

The company lays emphasis on quality control and expert blending that it is famous for. The years of experience have turned the company expert in buying the best tea leaves from the finest gardens. The company does not compromise on quality. This includes hygienic processing and packaging that conforms to global standards.

The master blenders as they are, each and every lot is tested for quality, flavor and aroma. The products are sold in India as well as in many countries.  The tea company is perfect in the art of blending fines leaves as is evident in their vast range of products.   

The company blends finest Darjeeling and Assam teas for its brands. The brands sold are for all segment. Wagh Bakri Tea Company sells fine teas in various packing with exotic printed designs. The quality control and packaging is of International standards. Tea lovers can buy the beverage in tea bags, cartons, poly pack and pet jars of varying quantity. The tea house also sells finest certified Darjeeling and certified organic tea leaf. The latest entrant is exotically designed tea gift basket that comprises of finest blends in India. This is deal for gifts to friends and family.  The gift baskets are reasonably priced and weigh 400 gm and 300 gm. 

The company uses various blends for its popular Wagh Bakri Brand including finest Nilgiri tea from South India. As master blenders and tea specialists, the tea house is making long strides in popularizing its various tea brands all over India and the World.        

Wagh Bakri Tea House has opened a tea lounge for lovers of this hot beverage. More tea lounges will be created in due time. With aggressive expansion plans the brands are being sold in many countries.