Delhi sips green

15 March,2010 09:15 AM IST |   |  Anshuman G Dutta

There are no slips between the cup and the lips, at least not in the Capital. City's fitness-savvy are switching to a healthier tea and their cuppa is always half-full


There are no slips between the cup and the lips, at least not in the Capital. Delhi's fitness-savvy are switching to a healthier tea and their cuppa is always half-full

Delhi's favourite brew is changing colour, and many would say, for the better. Tea is making its way to the cups

The brew is being prescribed by cosmetologists and dieticians to the new age consumers

of health conscious Delhiites in the new avatar of green. Though the concept is not new, market studies indicate that in the last one year, the popularity of green and health teas has more than doubled.


"In 2009, the demand for health and green teas increased by more than 100 per cent. Youngsters have learnt the benefits and since the product itself is available in so many different varieties, it's becoming a new and popular health drink," said Vijay Arora, who deals in green tea at a shop in Yashwant Place market, Chanakyapuri.

Pepped up by the growing popularity of tea in the Indian market, international tea brands are also looking to grab a piece of the pie. Newby Teas of London recently introduced itself in India and declared its intentions of becoming a leader in the premium tea market. The company is planning to launch more than 150 varieties (including herbal and green tea) in the Rs 7,500-crore Indian branded tea market.

Aniruddha Sen, COO, Newby India Pvt. Ltd said: "Lifestyle changes marked by higher disposable income and growing consciousness on health and wellness are important factors to determine India as a promising market for Newby Teas. With the endless benefits, demand for exceptional quality tea is expected to grow." The company is planning to target 15 major cities in the country as its potential target.

Going by the health and cosmetic benefits of the green tea, the brew is also being prescribed by cosmetologists
The magic cuppa

Green tea is available in varieties like ginger, lemon, mint, black pepper, honey etc. "Besides being fat and calorie free, green tea is also rich in vitamins like B1, B2, B6, folic acid and calcium," said nutritionist Gargi Sharma. With increasing popularity, green tea is gaining space on the menu cards of hotels and restaurants of the Capital. "Few gyms and spas have also started serving it to their guests as it supplements body functions during exercising," said dietician Deepika Dua.u00a0u00a0

and dieticians to the new age consumers. "Green tea intake is not only fashionable today but is known to be a scavenger of 'free radicals'. These radicals cause diseases like cancer and also hurry the ageing process. Green tea appears to provide sun protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen," said Dr Jamuna Pai, Cosmetic Physician, Blush Clinics.

She also added that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease.

"The benefits of green tea are for every age and its different varieties suit every one. Among its various benefits are anti-ageing, improvement in metabolism, weight loss and skin care. It also helps in problems like hypertension. Off late, the youngsters are showing keen interest in it," said nutritionist Gargi Sharma.u00a0
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