Tea: A Beverage Steeped in History & Health Benefits

More than half of the American population and nearly 85% of millennials drink tea. No doubt thanks to the appealing, hydrating, and health-promoting qualities of true teas. Consuming tea has even proven to be a characteristic of, if not a track to, healthier beverage consumption patterns.¹

Derived from the plant Camellia sinensis, black, green, oolong, dark, and white teas are well-known for their health benefits. Throughout its nearly 5,000-year history, tea from the Camellia sinensis plant has been believed to help “purify the body” and “preserve the mind.” The earliest record of tea’s healing power dates back to China in 2737 BC.

Scientists have been testing these theories for decades. To date, researchers have identified and classified the bioactive compounds inherent in tea, and thousands of published studies support tea’s ancient health claims.

Teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant contain thousands of health-promoting bioactive compounds, including polyphenolic compounds such as catechins like, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), L-theanine, theaflavins, tannins, and flavonoids,