The Indian Tea Association (ITA) announced on Friday that tea manufacturers can now voluntarily label tea products as "healthy" following an update by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has officially recognised tea as a "healthy" beverage, a significant milestone for the tea industry.
Indians are one of the largest consumers of tea in the world, as per statista, Indians consume over 1.2 billion Kgs of tea every year. There have been multiple myths if tea is good or bad for health, but the official confirmation of getting a "healthy" tag from FDA, has busted all the negative myths.
Here are some key benefits of having tea as per NIH.GOV :
1. Reduce chances of cancer
2. Help in management of Diabetes
3. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Here are a few videos explaining the health benefits of tea:
Updated nutrient content criteria
The FDA recently issued a final rule updating the 'healthy' nutrient content claim for tea. According to the executive summary of the FDA’s announcement, "all water, tea, and coffee with less than 5 calories per Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) and per labeled serving automatically qualify for the ‘healthy’ claim."
In a media release, the ITA highlighted the importance of this recognition for the tea industry. "This recognition aligns with the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of tea, which is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to various health advantages," the statement read.
The ITA added, "This decision underscores the numerous health benefits of tea and reinforces our commitment to promoting tea as a healthful beverage choice."
A boost for Indian tea
The ITA views this as a pivotal moment for tea producers, particularly in India. As the world increasingly turns to healthier dietary options, the association and its member companies remain committed to producing high-quality tea and promoting its benefits globally. "Ensuring that tea continues to be a cherished beverage both in India and abroad," the ITA’s release noted.
The new 'healthy' labeling provides consumers with more information to make informed choices. This move is expected to boost the global perception of tea as a healthful and enjoyable beverage, further solidifying its place in the market.
