Neelanjana Singh Senior Nutrition Consultant PSRI, New Delhi: I have often watched TV commercials tout the powers of various brands of tea to magically replenish the energy reserves of tired executives and homemakers.

My lament is that in today’s world of instant returns, the real benefits of tea rarely get exposed.

It is true that tea has the power to refresh an individual within minutes of consumption. The short-lived energy boost is largely due to the caffeine present in tea. Sugar, if added, plays a role too.

But these are certainly not the best reasons to drink tea and it may prove counter-productive if taken to excessive levels.

What many tea aficionados may not realise is the fact that they are likely to derive some other significant long-term health benefits.

To ensure that we derive the right long-term benefits, it is important to imbibe some facts about tea.

But first let us set tea in the right perspective.

Tea is the second most popular drink in the world next only to water. Since ancient times it has been prepared in varied ways to enhance its taste.

Some of the common additions to the brew are ginger, basil, cinnamon, cardamom, milk, nuts and lemon — apart from the usual milk and sugar.

Given the fact that vast segments of the world have been consuming tea for so long without any major ill effect, it may be termed a safe drink.

(To be continued)

nsingh.rxpress@expressindia.com

editor@expressindia.com