On the occasion of International Tea Day 2024 on May 21, 2024

The tea tree (Camellia sinensis) has a history of being used as a beverage for more than 5,000 years in cultures all over the world, and is believed to have originated in the East Asian region of China and is still popular today. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) revealed that in 2020, 6.1 million tons of tea drinks were consumed. Black tea is the most popular tea.

Tea drinks can be classified into several types. The method of storage, the production and storage process, or the process of preparing tea leaves, if fermentation is used as a criterion, can be divided as follows:

• Non-fermented Tea

For example, green tea, white tea.

• Partially-fermented Tea

For example, Oolong Tea

• Completely-fermented Tea

For example, black tea.

Precautions before drinking tea that we should know

1. Caffeine content

Caffeine makes us energized, but if consumed in large quantities or near bedtime, it can be very rejuvenating. It may interfere with our sleep. Therefore, avoid drinking tea at least 6 hours before going to bed.

2. Do not take with medications/dietary supplements.

Drinking tea along with medication can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs, such as ACE inhibitors that reduce blood pressure levels, statins that help reduce blood lipid levels, etc. It may also interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as iron. Therefore, it should be eaten with clean water and avoid taking vitamin and mineral supplements for at least 2-3 hours.

3. Oral and dental health problems

The tannins in tea can cause freckles and tooth wear. This can be prevented by rinsing your mouth with clean water after drinking tea. and brush your teeth properly to prevent such problems.

Tea is one of the drinks that many people give great popularity. Drink with breakfast or with a snack in the afternoon. It also reflects the culture and traditions of each ethnic group on the occasion of International Tea Day on May 21. We want to be a part of supporting the healthiest and happiest way you eat.

Best wishes from BDMS Wellness Clinic

LINE: @bdmswellnessclinic or https://lin.ee/Z4So1yQ

Reference List

1. Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Group on Tea (IGG/Tea). Current Global Market Situation and Emerging Issues [Internet]. Geneva: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 2022 Jan [cited 2024 May 23]. Available from: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0ec24489-f191-46ce-b4d8-485bffbcd7a2/content
2. Theerapong Theppakorn. Tea (Camellia sinensis L.): Manufacturing and Chemical Compositions from Fermentation. Burapha Sci. J. 2012;17(2):189-96
3. WebMD. Green Tea - Uses, Side Effects, and More [Internet]. [cited 2024 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17719/green-tea-oral/details
4. Watts A, Addy M. Tooth discolouration and staining: a review of the literature. Br Dent J. 2001;190(6):309-16.