Tea nutritional value: chemical composition, calorie content, benefits, reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Many people's favorite drink is tea. No event at the table is complete without a cup of tea. Fans of this drink appreciate its exquisite taste and aroma. Currently, there is a wide variety of varieties of this product on the market. Many manufacturers offer drinks of the highest quality. Tea is valued all over the world. And there are reasons for this.

What is this

Tea is a drink that is obtained by infusing, boiling or brewing tea plants prepared in a special way. The tea bush is a plant of the Tea family, the genus Camellia. For cooking, Camellia sinensis (Camelia sinensis) is most often used.

This product is popular in many countries around the world. In different languages and dialects, the word "tea" sounds differently: in English - "tea", in French - "thé", in Chinese - 茶. This drink is loved by people of all ages. And it's not onlyin the unique nutritional value of tea.

A bit of history

China is considered the birthplace of tea. The healing properties of the drink were first discovered by the Chinese emperor in 2737 BC. At first, the Chinese collected wild shoots, then moved on to plant cultivation. Over time, making tea has become a cult and traditional procedure.

The drink came to Europe with the development of navigation in the VI century. The Portuguese were the first to drink tea. Since 1637, tea has spread to other countries. The volume of trade with China for a popular product from that time began to grow. At first, deliveries were carried out by the East India Company. People fell in love with the drink because of the special taste and excellent nutritional value of tea. Currently, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia are considered the largest producers of the product.

Variety of varieties

Judging by the feedback from consumers, tea is currently consumed by both children and adults. It has a positive effect on he alth, helps to reduce weight, increase immunity. This drink can be drunk both hot and cold. Today, tea is classified into several varieties and types. The main varieties of tea are the following varieties: green, red, black, yellow, white.

The most popular, according to people, is black tea. Other varieties of the drink became widespread at the beginning of the 20th century. The food product may be consumed with or without additives. The classification of tea varieties is as follows:

1. Elite varieties. These varieties are produced only from selected young leaves of tea plants that are cultivated under certain conditions. For example, drinks are considered elite varieties: Chinese tea "QiHong", "Ginseng Oolong", etc.
2. Higher grades. Most often, such drinks satisfy the quality standard in all respects. Popular premium drinks include: tea "Dong Ting Bi Lo Chun", "Pumpkin seeds from Liu An".
3. Medium varieties. This includes drinks made from crushed, broken tea leaves.
4. Inferior grades. Most often, such a drink consists of waste left over from the production of other varieties of tea.

Drinks vary in taste. Most people like black tea, which has a sweet aroma and a tart aftertaste. Green varieties have a bright pronounced smell and grassy taste. Tea of the highest and elite varieties is distinguished by the best taste and high nutritional value. Their cost is higher compared to other drinks. Ground tea of medium and low grades can have a sharp and sour taste. The cost of such drinks is lower.

Currently known different ways of making tea. Every country in the world has its own "brand recipes" for everyone's favorite drink. Many advise adding various spices, herbs, flowers, berries, fruits, etc. to tea. The place and conditions of growth and processing of tea plants have a great influence on the taste of a food product. Statistics show that the most popular drinkacquired in the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Canada. In these countries, people speak of tea with great enthusiasm.

Components

Tea is enriched with various vitamins and minerals. These include the following main elements: vitamin B1 - 1 mg, vitamin C - 10 mg, vitamin PP - 11 mg, potassium - 9480 mg, phosphorus - 824 mg, calcium - 495 mg, magnesium - 440 mg, iron - 82 mg. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 1:0, 3:0, 2. The food product contains 30% tannins. The tart taste of tea depends precisely on these elements, the main place of which is occupied by tannin. Enzymes and essential oils give a special aroma to any drink. That's what tea is.

The chemical composition and nutritional value of the drink varies depending on the type and grade of tea. The method of preparation also plays an important role. For example, the nutritional value of green tea is only 1 calorie. Unique beneficial properties and taste without a gram of cholesterol and harmful toxins! The nutritional value of long leaf teas is commensurate with the quality and cost of the drink.

Properties

The beneficial properties of tea have been known since ancient times. And this is no coincidence. Tea invigorates, cheers up, strengthens blood vessels. The effect of the drink depends on the type of tea. The most popular are black and green varieties. They differ not only in taste, but also in chemical composition. The quality of the drink depends on the processing of plants.

Specialists have proven that green tea has more nutritional value than other varieties. It is he who providesbeneficial effect on the body. The drink contains a large amount of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants. It must be present in the human diet. Regular consumption of green tea will help to get rid of toxins and reduce weight. The structure of tea consumption by variety is shown in the diagram.

Despite their undeniable qualities, many people still prefer black varieties. Thanks to the content of caffeine, the drink energizes for the whole day. The high content of vitamins has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Regular consumption of black tea can improve blood circulation, relieve poisoning. Tea consumption statistics show that the drink has received the greatest popularity in the UK, Ireland, Canada.

Tea drinking can be turned into a real healing procedure that can restore youth, he alth and beauty for a long time. And completely imperceptible to the body! The nutritional value of tea with sugar is 47 calories. Well-known nutritionists advise drinking unsweetened tea with herbal supplements for weight loss. The nutritional value of tea without sugar is only 13 calories. The structure of consumption of different varieties of tea is shown in the diagram.

A few simple tips

According to the results of recent medical studies, reviews of nutritionists have been published that say the same thing: you can drink five cups of weak tea without harm to the body. Tea containsa large amount of caffeine, tannin, which have a unique tonic effect on the body. That is why experts recommend using the product for people who play sports and lead an active lifestyle.

The drink is contraindicated for people with heart disease, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. There are food restrictions for pregnant and lactating women.

Fun Facts

The largest tea plantations are in India and China. Many countries dream of growing tea, but climate conditions are not suitable everywhere.

In China, black tea is called red because of its peculiar color.

The most expensive tea in the world is "Dao Hong Pao", which occupies an intermediate position between black and green.

Each variety of tea has its own peculiar properties. If there is a great desire to feel an unforgettable aroma, deep and rich taste, it is necessary to prepare it in accordance with well-known recommendations. Some methods of making tea have become traditional.

Tea myths

Currently, there are many myths that have not found any scientific evidence. Experts recommend drink lovers, having heard these statements, disagree with nothing:

1. The drink is addictive.
2. Tea stains teeth yellow.
3. Drink impairs eyesight.
4. A cup of tea at night prevents sleep.
5. Strong drink contains unacceptable amount of caffeine.