The reasons behind the formation of International Tea Day 

India had presented this proposal in the meeting of the International Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) held in Milan 4 years ago, taking cognizance of which, the United Nations (UN) has declared May 21 as International Tea Day.

The purpose of International Tea Day is to create awareness about safe working conditions, fair trade and improvement of tea production for tea workers. 

This proposal of India was approved by the United Nations to make people aware about the contribution of tea in the rural economy. According to the UN, declaring May 21 as International Tea Day will help promote its production and consumption, which will prove to be helpful in fighting hunger and poverty in rural areas.

The history of tea is as old as 750 BC. Tea was first used as a medicine by Buddhist monks. According to a story, when the monk Jain was in contemplation, during this time he started falling asleep and to avoid sleep, the monk started chewing the leaves of the bush. 

2700 BC Chinese History of Tea: 

The history of tea is very old. It is said that around 2700 BC, the Chinese ruler Shen-Nong was drinking hot water while sitting in the garden. Meanwhile, a leaf of a tree fell in his cup. After this the colour of the water changed and the smell also arose. When the king tasted the leafy water, he got a different taste which he liked. This is how tea was invented. 

A main source of revenue and focused on women empowerment: 

The tea trade is a main source of income and export revenue for people in some poor countries and provides employment to workers in tea producing countries. In addition, the production and processing of tea contributes to poverty reduction, the fight against hunger, the empowerment of women and the use of terrestrial ecosystems, and plays an important role in reducing extreme poverty, fighting hunger and protecting natural resources. performing. 

More international initiatives to increase tea production: 

All member countries, international and regional organisations have been appealed to observe International Tea Day on 21 May every year. As far as celebrating International Tea Day on 15th December is concerned, apart from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, many other countries are celebrating it. However, the month of May was chosen by the UN because it is considered the best month for tea production. 

- According to the report released by FAO in the year 2018, the production of black tea in the world is projected to increase to 44 lakh tonnes by 2027 from 3.33 lakh tonnes in 2017.

- At the same time, the production of green tea is estimated to be 36 lakh tonnes, which was 17.7 lakh tonnes in the year 2017.

India's dominance in black tea production 

India may become the world's second largest producer of black tea by 2027.

Green Tea Black Tea White Tea Oolong Tea Herbal Tea Chamomile Tea Echinacea Tea Hibiscus Tea Red Tea or Rooibos Turmeric tea Ginger Tea Lemon Tea Mint Tea Red Tea or Rooibos    

Green Tea – Green tea is prepared from steamed tea leaves. This tea contains a high amount of a compound called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been found to be very beneficial for our health. This compound present in green tea helps prevent inflammation, reducing the risk of heart and brain diseases. It also benefits in reducing weight. Antioxidants present in green tea can reduce the risk of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic cancer. Green tea also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and controls cholesterol level. 

Black Tea – Black tea is prepared from the fermented leaves of tea. It is also used in flavoured tea and has the highest amount of caffeine. Some studies have shown that black tea is helpful in reducing the damage caused to the lungs by cigarette smoking. It also reduces the risk of stroke. Black tea is considered a better option as a drink with less caffeine, less calories and no artificial sweetener. Black tea has properties to increase good cholesterol, improve gut health and reduce blood pressure. 

White Tea - White tea is the least processed tea. In a study, it was revealed that white tea has the most anti-cancer properties compared to other teas. 

Green tea – it is usually consumed for weight loss, but white tea is equally effective for reducing fat. Both green and white teas have almost equal amounts of caffeine and the EGCG compound. According to another study, white tea also helps in increasing the body's metabolism and also has properties to reduce skin ageing. 

Oolong tea – Oolong tea is made by mixing tea leaves, shoots and stems. Oolong tea accounts for only 2% of the total tea consumed in the world. Despite this, oolong tea has many health benefits. If oolong tea is consumed in the right amount, it helps in improving metabolism and reducing stress. Oolong tea can also reduce bad cholesterol levels. Oolong tea also helps in reducing weight, reducing the risk of cancer and improving brain function. One quality of oolong tea is Wuyi tea that is sold as a weight loss supplement. 

Herbal Tea – A drink prepared by adding herbs, fruits, seeds and roots to hot water is called herbal tea. Herbal teas contain less antioxidants than green, white, black and oolong teas. Ginger, Jasmine, Mint, Hibiscus are included in herbal tea. Some studies have indicated that herbal tea may help with weight loss, prevent colds, and help you sleep well. 

Chamomile tea – Antioxidants present in chamomile tea may protect against diabetes, loss of eyesight, kidney damage and cancer cell growth. 

Echinacea Tea – Echinacea tea is used as a home remedy to cure colds. It also has properties to lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

Hibiscus Tea – In a study it was revealed that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily helped some people reduce blood pressure. Hibiscus tea can also be helpful in improving liver health and reducing weight. 

Red Tea or Rooibos – Red tea is prepared from the fermented herb Rooibos from South Africa. Flavonoids are compounds in red tea that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. 

Mint tea -as the name suggests, this tea is made of mint, which has a cool and refreshing flavour. This tea is very helpful in removing stomach related problems and cramps. Mint leaves have antispasmodic properties, which are beneficial in relieving muscle spasms, and their use provides relief from abdominal pain. 

Ginger tea - Bloating means that there is a problem of flatulence or loose motion (diarrhoea), then let us tell you that ginger is considered to be the best remedy for stomach related problems.A bioactive compound called Gingerol is found in ginger, which is helpful in reducing these problems. 

Turmeric tea - Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties present in turmeric, turmeric is used to cure many diseases. If you add a pinch of black pepper along with turmeric in turmeric tea, it will cause gas in the stomach. And relieves the problems of the digestive system. 

Lemon Tea – Lemon Tea is made by adding lemon to tea without milk, drinking lemon tea not only reduces your weight, but it also helps you in reducing belly fat by cleaning the dirt of the stomach. It can prove to be helpful in protecting against many heart-related problems.

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