The Chinese tea way of life

Now, almost five thousand years later, Chinese tea has become one of the most popular beverages in the world. The cultivation of tea in China started a mere two thousand years ago, but it has spread from there to every other country where tea is now grown. Not surprisingly, Asian countries produce roughly 90% of the world's total output as tea needs warmth and sunshine to grow. China is the homeland of tea. Of the three major beverages of the world - tea, coffee and cocoa - tea is consumed by the largest number of people in the world.

Types of Chinese tea

Tea grown in China are classified into different types. While there are many methods of classification, the most common is according to how the leaves are processed after picking:

- Green tea
- Black tea
- Oolong tea
- Compressed tea
- Scented tea

Medically, the tea leaf contains a number of chemicals, of which 20-30% is tannic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and germicidal properties. It also contains an alkaloid (5%, mainly caffeine), a stimulant for the nerve centre and the process of metabolism. Tea with the aromatics in it may help resolve meat and fat and thus promote digestion. It is, therefore, of special importance to people who live mainly on meat, like many of the ethnic minorities in China. A popular proverb among them says, "Rather go without salt for three days than without tea for a single day."

The Oolong tea

This represents a variety half way between the green and the black teas, being made after partial fermentation. It is a specialty from the provinces on China's southeast coast: Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan.

A special method of brewing tea called kungfu (skill) is associated with Oolong tea. The best known variety is Tieguanyin, although the best is acknowledged to be Dahongpao, which was once given as tribute to the emperor.

Oolong tea is a great way to lose weight naturally. Oolong tea is the most popular slimming tea in the nation. Drinking just 2 cups of Oolong tea daily can help shed pounds and provide many great health benefits.

Drinking the Chinese tea can lower the risk of skin cancer when used in conjunction with sunscreen. This happens because the tea contains catechins a known antioxidant, which has reduced the size and growth of cancer cells in animals, tested in laboratories. Please do not consider this a cancer cure; certain natural foods and elements help prevent cancer by giving the body additional support.