Tea originated in China thousands of years ago, however Sri Lanka was instrumental in making tea popular, with different flavours of tea grown in different regions of the island.
In Sri Lanka, tea started out as an experimental crop in the coffee plantations of a Scottish planter named James Taylor in the 1880’s. Due to the coffee disease during that time, Taylor proceeded to plant tea on nineteen acres of his estate named Loolecondra. His first export of tea was 23 lbs to England, and soon this miracle crop was sought after and grown in many other estates around Sri Lanka. Over time tea grown in Sri Lanka has been categorised according to the elevation that it is grown in. Over the years, tea became one of Sri Lanka’s most exported crops and there are many tea exporters in Sri Lanka at the moment.
Ceylon Tea, as it is known around the globe, is claimed to be one of the cleanest teas in the world by the EU Surveillance Reports and according to the International Organisation for Standards, as growers of Ceylon tea in Sri Lanka are known for using the least amount of pesticides and other chemicals on their crops, and hence Ceylon tea has very little pesticide residue as compared to tea from other regions. Tea grown in Sri Lanka is also well known for being high in antioxidants. Ceylon tea is recognised the world over for its colour, strength, quality, aroma and flavour.
Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka is exported as Green, Black and White tea, each with its own unique flavour, distinct aroma and health benefits.
Health benefits of Ceylon Tea:
Helps with weight loss – Ceylon green tea has shown to help in weight loss during certain studies, while other studies have shown that black tea was found to alter intestinal bacteria which could also induce weight loss.
Promotes heart health – Studies have shown that tea can lower blood pressure and thereby reduce the risk of heart disease. Tea also improves arterial health.
Combats cancer – Catechins in Ceylon green tea have been found to benefit in the treatment of prostate cancer during its initial stages, as well as other forms of cancer.
Aids in diabetes treatment – Tea has blood sugar lowering effects and is very beneficial in diabetic treatment. It has also been found to improve serum insulin levels.
Boosts immunity – The high amounts of antioxidants in Ceylon Tea plays a big role in boosting body immunity.
Can prevent kidney stones – Studies have shown that Ceylon tea may reduce the risk of kidney stones. The antioxidants in tea also help to keep the cells of the kidneys protected from toxicity.
Promotes radiant skin – Tea is known around the world for its beauty benefits, which is why it is a vital ingredient in many beauty products. Drinking Ceylon tea on a regular basis will give you better looking skin, due to its high antioxidant content.
Improves cognitive function – Studies have shown that drinking tea regularly improves brain health and tea drinkers have better organised brain regions which is associated with improved cognitive functions. Positive effects of drinking tea also include mood improvements.
Due to these powerful benefits, Ceylon tea has become an all-important beverage around the world, and a huge source of income for the country according to tea exporters in Sri Lanka. The demand for Ceylon tea keeps growing, and with newer blends and flavours being introduced, exports of Ceylon tea to the world is sure to increase even more in the coming years.