7 lesser-known facts about tea that may surprise you

For many of us, a good start of the day is incomplete without a piping-hot cup of tea.

It’s one drink that is loved beyond boundaries and is also a drink that often connects people.

Today, we are going to tell you some lesser-known facts about tea, which will surely make your bond stronger with this drink that is tasty and healthy too.

According to the Tea Association of America, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, tea is the second most widely consumed drink, after water. And as per studies, tea is a healthy drink as well, as it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), some forms of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases as well.

As per experts, an adult should consume 2-3 cups of tea a day and it is ideal for good health and the aging process. Also, one should avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach.

According to the FDA, black and green tea are heart-healthy. They are rich in natural plant compounds that are known to be heart-healthy, and it has been proven that regular tea drinkers have lower rates of heart disease.

While we keep talking about the caffeine content of tea, we often miss mentioning that it contains very few calories and zero sugar. If we go by the studies, 1 cup of black tea with zero sugar and milk contains only 3 calories, while the regular cup of tea with milk and sugar contains around 37 calories only.

While many people follow the concept of bed tea, experts suggest that the right time to drink is post-breakfast, as it helps energize you for the day ahead. It has been found that energy levels are mostly low during mornings, and after meals, so 20 minutes after your breakfast is considered the best time to have tea.

Another interesting fact about tea is, it is more than 99 percent water and hence the whole argument about tea as a dehydrating drink doesn’t seem to be true in all senses. (Image: istock)

This might sound bizarre to many, but it has been proven that tea contains the same healthy compounds as broccoli. If we go by the comparative study conducted by USDA, 1 cup of black tea has 170 milligrams of flavonoids, while 1 cup of broccoli has about 3 milligrams. Isn’t it surprisingly healthy! (Image: istock)