6 Enchanting Facts About Tea

Tea has been enjoyed for its earthy, comforting taste and plentiful health benefits for thousands of years, with early records of its consumption dating back to the second century AD in southwest China. Let us explore the ancient, legendary beverage with 6 facts about tea:

6 Magical Tea Facts

1. 1. The earliest physical evidence of tea was found in the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han in 2016. (source) Analysis found the tea to be around 2,100 years old. It was distinguished from other plants by the traces of theanine, a chemical only found in the tea family.

2. 2. Green tea is believed to reduce inflammation and help fight cancer. (source) Green tea contains several compounds that contribute to this healthy effect, such as polyphenols and a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). These compounds can reduce the formation of free radicals, which in turns protects cells from damage.

3. 3. Tea may improve brain function. (source) Tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, which are both believed to boost brain function in various ways. L-theanine boosts the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which may reduce anxiety. Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine have synergistic effects. Many people report that tea gives more stable, less jittery energy than coffee due to lower caffeine levels.

4. 4. According to legend, tea was invented accidentally by Chinese emperor Shen Nung. (source) The Chinese emperor was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled drinking water. Leaves blew from a nearby Camellia sinensis tree into the water, creating an infusion. He decided to try it, and the rest is history.

5. 5. Tea first came to Europe through Portuguese traders and missionaries visiting the East. (source) In the latter half of the sixteenth century, there were mentions of the Portuguese drinking tea and bringing home samples. However, the first to ship back tea as a commercial import was the Dutch. By the turn of the century, the Dutch established a trading post on the island of Java; the first consignment of tea was shipped from China to Holland in 1606.

6. 6. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. (source) Water is the most consumed beverage. It may be surprising that Turkey drinks the most tea – 6.96 pounds per capita!

Have any additional tea facts to share? Let us know in the comments below.