The United Nations designates this day in May as International Tea Day because the tea harvest season begins in most tea-producing countries during this month.
Tea is one of those beverages that is consumed by almost everyone in almost every city or town on the planet. It is thought to have originated in India’s northeastern states and southwestern China.
To improve tea production, the day is known for raising awareness about safe working conditions for fair trade, tea workers, and a sustainable environment.
History of International Tea Day
In 2005, Delhi, India hosted the first International Tea Day. The Indian government proposed that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization expand this day globally in 2015.
Tea has been around for over 5,000 years, but its benefits to health, culture, and socioeconomic development are still as significant today.
Tea is currently grown in highly localized areas, employing over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their families.
Tea’s cultural heritage, economic significance, and health benefits are all celebrated on International Tea Day.
It is also dedicated to making its production sustainable ‘from field to cup,’ ensuring that the benefits it provides to cultures, people, and the environment are sustained for future generations.
Why Drink Tea?
After water, Tea is the most popular beverage on the planet. Several studies have shown that a variety of teas can help to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and even prevent cancer and heart diseases.
While some teas have more health benefits than others, there is plenty of evidence that drinking tea on a regular basis can improve your overall health.
Tea is a major source of income and export revenue for some of the world’s poorest countries, and as a labor-intensive industry, it provides employment, particularly in remote and economically poor areas. Tea, as one of the most important cash crops in developing countries, can help with rural development, poverty reduction, and food security.
Relationship Between Tea and Climate Change
Changes in growing environmental conditions have a big effect on the production of tea. Tea can only be grown in a small number of countries with very specific agro ecological conditions, many of which will be severely impacted by climate change.
Temperature and rainfall patterns are changing, resulting in more floods and droughts, which are already affecting yields, tea product quality, and prices, lowering incomes and jeopardizing rural livelihoods.
Climate change is expected to worsen, necessitating immediate adaptation measures. Simultaneously, there is a growing awareness of the importance of reducing carbon emissions from tea production and processing to help mitigate climate change.
As a result, tea-producing countries should incorporate climate change challenges into their national tea development strategies, both in terms of adaptation and mitigation.
Health Benefits of Tea
It is high in antioxidants, which have a variety of health benefits, including:
- Improves brain functioning
- Fat loss
- Protects against cancer
- Lowers heart disease risks
- Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a catechin which is found in tea. Catechins are natural antioxidants that help to prevent cell damage while also providing other advantages.
- Oxidative damage has been linked to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants can aid in the prevention of oxidative damage.
