Assam Tea: The First Indian Tea

Tea is a part of Assam's culture, folklore, and diversity as well. Assam tea is one of the best quality teas in India. In fact, it is an unchallenged empress among the beverages. Assam tea works like magic. A morning without Assam tea is a waste morning of your life. Assam produces more than 50 % of India's tea demand and about 16 % of the world's. Sipping tea is one thing, but sipping Assam tea is quite another, as the saying goes.

The Birth of first Indian tea

From the beginning, there was a Chinese monopoly in the tea market. In 1823 Mr. Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer, discovered a tea plant in Assam. After discovery, plant samples were sent to the Botanical garden (Kolkata) for scientific research. After research, it was found that the samples belonged to a remarkable variety of tea different from Chinese tea. Plant samples identified as "Camellia sinensis." In 1837, the English tea garden was established at Chabua in Assam. In 1839, East India Company set up its first tea company in colonial India, "The Assam Company," for commercial use.

From the beginning, Assam tea has had its legacy. Not only is it simple to make, but also it is perfect for health. There are N number of health benefits associated with Assam tea, like preventing cancer, low risk of diabetes, helping in weight loss, low chances of neurological diseases, improving digestion, etc. Let's discuss the top 05 benefits of consuming Assam tea daily.

1. Improve skin health and cure oral problems

Assam tea is a natural source of nutrients. It contains Vitamins A and E, which are essential nutrients for the skin.

Assam tea helps in improving oral health. It has fluorine, which supports tooth health.

Drinking Assam tea daily in the morning or after a sugary meal helps protect your teeth from dental problems, especially gum health.

2. Better Brain Function

· Assam tea contains caffeine and L-theanine (A type of amino acid), which helps reduce anxiety and improve mood.

· It provides a boost in energy and also increases mental alertness.

· It helps people stay awake at night or when they feel sleepy. In short, it allows people who want to remain productive or active even after feeling exhausted.

· It reduces oxidation stress in the brain and also helps in reducing the risk of diseases like Parkinson's (a mental illness).

3. Improves Immunity system

· Assam tea contains polyphenols (antioxidant) which helps in improving the immunity system of the body,

· It helps us defend our body against colds, coughs, flu, and other illnesses as well.

· It contains antimicrobial properties, which kill bacteria and improve immunity by helping repair the linings of the digestive tract.

4. Rich in Antioxidants

· Assam tea contains an antioxidant called flavonoids. Flavonoid helps us provide cardiovascular health benefits like heart disease, blood clots, and blood pressure prevention.

· Antioxidants in Assam tea protect the body from free radicals (harmful molecules) and prevent cell damage.

· Drinking Assam tea helps in reducing the risk of cancer; it contains polyphenols that promote cancer cell death.

5. Helps in weight loss

· Assam tea contains anti-obesity flavonoids, which help us lose weight without side effects.

· It helps in strengthening the metabolism of body.

· It contains nutrients (like theaflavins and thearubigins), reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

· Assam tea is rich in tannins which help cure digestion-related problems, especially in gastric and intestinal illnesses.

Consuming anything in excess, especially caffeine, can cause severe health issues like irregular heartbeats, heartburn, restlessness, nervousness, headache, vomiting, sleep problem, etc. Therefore, it is always advisable to consume it in moderation. If someone has any medical condition, please consult the doctor before including Assam tea in your diet.

Assam tea is India's national drink and our pride as well. We all are very proud of Assam's tea leaves pluckers for their efforts and contribution to manufacturing Assam tea.