Flavonoids present in tea helps to boost the body’s immune system, helps attack harmful free radicals and assists in keeping your heart healthy and fit, says Basudeb Banerjee, Chairman of Tea Board of India.

Tea contains flavonoids and has a positive effect on our cardiovascular health, he said in a news release.

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in India. Studies have shown that flavonoids prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein thereby reducing the risk for the development of atherosclerosis.

So what makes our tea a cup full of health?

Tea contains flavonoids, which are a natural source of antioxidants and have a beneficial effect on our health - be it stress or its related physical ailments, tea with all its goodies, is indeed a health drink.

“Tea is a superfood and if we have enough of it, 2-3 cups every day, it actually does wonders for our health,” adds Banerjee.

Not only is a cup of tea refreshing and delicious, it can be an important part of maintaining proper hydration. The good news is that boiling chai is not known to have any adverse effect on Flavonoids.

In fact,boiling helps in efficient extraction of flavonoids from tea leaves.

Tea is the most popular beverage in India, 77 percent of the consumers surveyed actually believe that Tea is unhealthy - and causes various ailments like acidity and nausea, reveals a recent nationwide tea survey conducted by AC Nielsen.

About 61 percent of the youth believe that tea is a traditional drink and for the older generation. They consider beverages like energy drinks and juices are healthier than Tea, the report added.

Basudeb debunked various misconceptions about tea and reiterated that tea is a lifestyle drink with a dual benefit of taste and health.

So, the next time you sip a refreshing cup of tea, remember…you are also boosting your health.

Estimated production of tea in India during January to July 2010 period was 462 metric tons.