Introduction
The most popular beverage in the world is tea. It has not only become an important part of our daily lives, but it is also a popular choice for hospitality, relaxation, or to start the day. Drinking tea has become a cultural tradition in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and China. However, the way tea is consumed has changed over time. Many questions arise, especially regarding the use of sugar and jaggery: Is tea with sugar harmful to health? Can tea with jaggery be a better alternative? To answer these questions, we need to examine the benefits and harms of tea on scientific and medical grounds.
History of tea and global background
Tea originated in China. According to tradition, the first use of tea was by the Chinese emperor Shen Ning in 2737 BC. Later, the drink reached Japan, India, and then Europe. In the 19th century, the British management brought tea to the subcontinent, allowing the general public to enjoy the beverage.
The popularity of tea in Pakistan is unparalleled. People of all classes and ages drink it with enthusiasm. Tea made with milk, sugar or jaggery in particular is considered very delicious.
Basic ingredients of tea
There are different ways to make tea, but the following ingredients are generally included:
- Tea leaves: Contains caffeine, theanine, polyphenols, antioxidants.
- Water: Plays an important role in the hydration of the body.
- Milk: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamins.
- Sugar or jaggery: Used for flavor and energy.
Now we will move on to the medical benefits of tea, then a detailed comparative review of sugar and jaggery will also be included.4. Health Benefits of Drinking Tea
Tea has many health benefits that can help improve various aspects of health. According to various research studies, some of the important health benefits of drinking tea are as follows:
Increased mental peace and energy:
The caffeine present in tea provides energy to a person and improves mental function. It can help reduce fatigue, keep you alert and increase mental sharpness.
Weight loss:
The chemicals present in tea, especially polyphenols, help speed up metabolism. They help reduce fat storage in the body, which can make weight loss possible.
Heart health:
The polyphenols in tea help reduce the risk of heart disease. They improve blood circulation and help maintain moderate cholesterol levels, which help prevent heart disease.
Boosting immunity:
The antioxidants in tea play an important role in protecting the body from various diseases. They strengthen the immune system and increase the ability to fight diseases.
Skin health:
The antioxidants in tea protect the skin from wrinkles and slow down the aging process of the skin. Some studies have also shown that consuming tea helps in enhancing the beauty of the skin.
Advantages and disadvantages of sugar tea
Benefits of sugar tea:
The following are some advantages of sugar tea, the most popular beverage in the world:
Instant energy:
Sugar is added to sugar tea, which provides instant energy. The body gets an immediate dose of sugar, which relieves fatigue and increases energy.
Enjoyment of taste:
The taste of sugar tea is very pleasant due to its sweetness. Most people like tea because of its sweetness.
Peace of mind:
The taste of sugar tea and its caffeine content provide peace of mind and reduce stress.
Disadvantages of sugared tea:
There are also some disadvantages of sugared tea that you need to be aware of:
Risk of weight gain:
The presence of sugar in sugared tea increases the amount of fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain. Tea that contains too much sugar may cause the body to store more fat.
Harmful for diabetics:
Sugared tea can be dangerous for diabetics because sugar consumption can increase blood sugar levels.
Effects on dental health:
Sugared tea can cause dental problems due to bacteria accumulating on the teeth, such as cavities or tooth decay.
Benefits and harms of jaggery tea
Jaggery is a natural sweetener that can be more beneficial than sugar in many ways. The benefits and harms of jaggery tea are as follows:
Benefits of jaggery tea:
Healthy sweetness:
Iron, calcium, and vitamin B are among the essential minerals and vitamins found in jaggery, which is more natural than sugar.
- Improves digestion:
Jaggery improves the digestive system and helps in relieving stomach gas, constipation, and other digestive problems. It improves meal absorption and calms the stomach.
Boosts immunity:
The various vitamins and minerals present in jaggery strengthen the body’s immune system, which increases the body’s ability to fight diseases.
Disadvantages of jaggery tea:
Weight gain due to excessive consumption:
Overconsumption of jaggery might result in weight gain because it increases calories and fat like sugar.
Increase in blood sugar levels:
Although jaggery is natural, consuming it in large quantities can increase blood sugar levels, which can be harmful, especially for diabetic patients.
Sugar and Jaggery Comparison
Both sugar and jaggery are natural sweeteners, but there are some key differences in their benefits and drawbacks. Below we provide a comparative review of the two:
Sugar:
Sugar is an artificial sweetener that is usually made from rice or sugarcane. It lacks the majority of nutrients and is mostly made up of sugar. Sugar consumption provides instant energy, but it does not contain any specific vitamins or minerals. Consuming sugar in large quantities can be harmful to health.
Advantages:
- Provides instant energy.
- Has a pleasant sweetness in taste.
- Makes tea more flavorful.
Disadvantages:
- Excessive consumption leads to weight gain.
- May increase blood sugar levels.
- May affect dental health. Jaggery:
Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice and contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Jaggery can be more beneficial for health than sugar because it contains a good amount of calcium, iron, and vitamin B. Jaggery helps in relieving digestive problems, increasing the body’s energy, and treating anemia.
Benefits:
- Provides natural sweetness and important minerals such as iron and calcium.
- Improves digestion and relieves constipation.
- Helps in treating anemia.
Disadvantages:
- Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain.
- May increase blood sugar levels, especially for diabetics.
- Expert Opinions and Scientific Research
Scientific research on tea has proven that tea is a powerful antioxidant and the chemicals in it can help with mental peace, heart health, and weight loss. However, experts also say that the benefits of tea are there as long as it is consumed in moderation. Various studies on the use of sugar or jaggery have shown that natural sweeteners such as jaggery contain more nutrients, but their consumption in large quantities can also be harmful.
Moderate amount of tea in daily life
Moderate consumption of tea can be beneficial for health. Drinking one or two cups of tea daily is generally not harmful to health. In addition, it is better to use sugar or jaggery in tea in small quantities. Consuming tea with high sugar or jaggery can increase the risk of obesity and other diseases, so it should be consumed in appropriate quantities.
Closing remarks
Tea is a beverage that is popular all over the world, and its health effects can vary. Tea with sugar provides instant energy, but its excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Jaggery tea is a natural sweetener and contains several important nutrients, which are beneficial for health. However, it is important to consume both types of tea in moderation to reap their benefits and avoid their harms.
