Tea diffusion

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Tea Diffusion
Tea has for centuries been cultivated, with its origin in India and China. To date, tea has come to be one of the most highly consumed beverage worldwide falling second to water. In the world, tea has come to be loved by millions of people, especially the green tea that has a lot of benefits attributed to it (Monterey, n.p). Consequently, the three most common tea varieties include; the green tea, black and the Oolong. The only difference between the tea being the preparation process.
Green tea is usually prepared from unfermented leaves. This type of tea contains a greater concentration of polyphenols which is a strong antioxidant. However, antioxidants are harmful to the body; allegedly they damage body compounds thus destroying the cell DNA and changing it (Ehrlich, n.p). The antioxidants are said to fight free radicals which are scientifically purported to contribute to the aging process and lead to some health issues such as heart illnesses and cancer. However, the polyphenols in green tea neutralize this free radical reducing their severity to the human body.
Among the traditional Chinese, tea and especially the green tea has been used as a stimulant. That is, as a diuretic that assists the body in the removal of excess fluids. Further, it has been as an astringent that prevents excess blood loss and heals wounds. Green tea also improves heart health. There are other, in addition to this, traditional as well as medical uses of green tea such as; regulating body temperature as well as the blood sugar, improving mental health, treating gas, and promoting digestion.

Additionally, green tea has been tested across a broad spectrum of animal and human uses and has been identified to heal some health conditions.
Tea Culture in Japan
Tea culture is defined as the way in which tea is prepared, served, how people interact with tea and all the events surrounding the drinking of tea. In Japan, as a cultural practice, tea is identified with the tea drinking ceremony known as Chanoyu, Sado or Ocha (ITOEN, n.p). The traditional tea used for this ceremony is known as Matcha, and the ceremonial ritual is identified with preparing and serving the tea. The tea is characteristically bitter and in this event, the tea is mixed with traditional sweets which make it easy to take.
Traditionally, the tea ceremony is very symbolic and does not involve drinking tea but is only concerned with the aesthetics of the Japanese culture. For instance, the tea ceremony through all the predefined movements refers to the art of one pouring all of his or her attention. In fact, the event is linked to matters of the heart as it symbolizes submissiveness or kindness through sharing. The host of the event is always perceived as having the guests at heart and every movement including the placement of the utensils is used to symbolize this; especially as pertains to the Shokyaku who is the main guest (ITOEN, n.p).
The cultural significance of the tea ceremony among the Japanese lies in appreciating the uniqueness of the event as it pertains to time, place, and season. Also, the art of humility and simplicity among those present makes this event ceremonial. The ceremony is therefore characterized by humility both of the guests and the hosts. In fact, the door to the house where the tea is served is made intentionally small so that whoever comes in must humble them through a low crawl.

Works Cited
Ehrlich, Steven D. “Green Tea.” University of Maryland Medical Center. N. p., 2015. Web. 31 Dec. 2016.
ITOEN. “Cultural Tea Traditions | All Things Tea | Ito En.” Itoen.com. N. p., 2016. Web. 31 Dec. 2016.
Monterey. “Medicinal Uses of Tea Including Green Tea, Black Tea, and Herbal Tea .” Monterey Bay Spice Company. N. p., 2016. Web. 31 Dec. 2016.