Why is tea so popular?

It is almost inconceivable to imagine not starting the day with a lovely, warm refreshing 'cuppa' for most of the UK and much of the rest of the world. Where would we be without 'elevenses' to break up the morning ritual? Surely the afternoon just would not be the afternoon with that quintessentially English custom of taking afternoon tea? Imagine the working day without a tea-break! So what is it that makes tea so popular?

It took the West some time to catch on to tea. The Chinese had been drinking it for thousands of years before we came to know and love it. We have Catherine of Braganza to thank for introducing the first tea to Britain in the late 1600s, but it really became popular in the 19th century when Britain controlled the tea interests in India which was part of its empire at that time. A lifelong friend of Queen Victoria, Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, found a serving of tea and some sandwiches or cakes the perfect way to fill the hunger gap between the recently invented luncheon and dinner which was being served later and later. Once she began inviting her friends to join her, the custom really took off until it became an established custom in wealthier households. The modern tea drinker needs no excuse to enjoy several hot steaming cups of comforting tea a day. There is much research supporting that drinking tea is good for you too. So what does this wonder brew do for us?

Several studies have supported the theory that our traditional cup of tea helps block cholesterol and is full of anti-oxidants that may help prevent cancer and heart disease. It can also hydrate as well as water. Tea is a source of natural fluoride and so can keep that smile of delight when drinking it pearly white. We all know how great the stresses and strains of modern life can be, so perhaps our cuppa's greatest health benefit is that it gives us time to relax and wind down. The pleasure of sitting and enjoying a relaxing cup of tea with friends, relatives or colleagues cannot be underestimated. A good cup of tea can be hugely beneficial giving us social interaction and an opportunity to talk through problems or just to have a good gossip and forget about life for a few moments. This is not a new concept of course. From the wives of those stationed in the outer reaches of the empire in the 1700s and 1800s to those living through the world wars there was a tangible belief that everything will look better over a nice cup of tea. That still rings true for many of us today. Tea is a great comforter and always will be.

As William Gladstone said in 1865, "if you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you". No wonder tea is so popular!