If you are someone who prefer tea over coffee (that’s right, there is a never-ending debate about tea and coffee), then you should consider trying this variant of tea, the Russian Caravan tea. Well, actually, Russian Caravan is not a single tea, it is a three-in-one tea because it’s basically a mix of oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong tea. Those tea are produced from the same tea plant, Camellia sinensis, which is originated from China.
This tea is sweet in taste with aromatic sensation and some smoky flavouring. That being said, some varieties are less smoky because they exclude lapsang souchong. There are many companies who produce Russian Caravan tea. But the Twinings is more common among the tea enthusiasts.
If it’s first time you see the name of tea, you will probably mistaken it as a Russian tea. Well, the truth is, it isn’t. It is actually Chinese tea, if you read the first paragraph you probably already took the hint. The tea only got its name from 18th century camel caravan that used to transport Chinese tea from the producers of tea (area around China, Sri Lanka, and India) to Europe through Russia. Hence, the tea called Russian Caravan. (Also read :Â Benefits of Black Tea for Face)
Beside having unique taste, this tea also provides a wide range of health benefits. It has been used as a traditional herbal tea to treat some diseases. This is may be one of the reasons why tea is the second most consumed drink in the world. Do you eager to see the health benefits of Russian Caravan tea? Well, let’s check it out!
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF RUSSIAN CARAVAN TEA
Just like any other tea, almost half of composition of Russian Caravan consist of polyphenols (flavonoids, epigallocatechin gallate, and other catechins). (You may want to read : Benefits of Ginger Tea for Cold and Cough ) This compound is what makes tea aromatic and have a sharp taste, as well as responsible in coloring the tea. Below are the complete explanation of nutrition facts of the Russian Caravan tea :
1. Caffeine
Russian Caravan tea contains about 10 mg to 90 mg Caffeine per serving of 250 ml tea cup. This amount also depend on the presence of lapsang souchong in the mixture.
2. Fluoride and aluminium
If cultivated in area that affected by environmental pollution, three different teas that blended into Russian Caravan tea may contain fluoride and aluminium.
3. Dietary minerals Â
Russian caravan tea contains a small amount of dietary minerals including phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium at 0.5 g per serving (about 25% of the daily values).
Other compounds found in Russian Caravan tea are :
- Theobromine
- Theophylline
- Stimulants
- Xanthines
- Manganese
- Tannin (one of deciding factor that determines the quality of the tea)
- Some antioxidants
All compounds are in a small amount.Â
4. Physical Properties
Russian Caravan tea carries the same properties as regular tea. It is classified as both solution and suspension. This is due to water-soluble and insoluble components found in Russian Caravan tea.
Health Benefits of Russian Caravan Tea
That is the nutritional value of Russian Caravan tea. Now, let’s find out what are the health benefits :
1. It helps protect against cancer
Due to the presence of antioxidants, even only in small amount, can help prevent cancer if consumed regularly and in the proper dose. The antioxidants will fight off dangerous chemicals and remove free radicals in your body. Thus, preventing the growth of cancer cells. (See also :Â Health Benefits of White Tea and Pomegranate)Â Â
2. It prevents obesity and assists weight loss
Consuming tea is far more natural and healthier than sipping other drinks (with the exception of water). You will get obese easier if you consume sugary and high fat beverages, such as coffee, chocolates, coke, let alone alcoholic drinks. Russian Caravan tea contains a small to zero amount of fat, sugar, and calories. This is important if you are in weight loss journey and want to avoid obesity.
3. It helps prevent alzheimer’ diseases
Russian Caravan tea plays important role in preventing alzheimer’s diseases. This is due to flavonoids (a polyphenolic compound) and caffeine present in the tea, which can be protective againts alzheimer’s diseases, and therefore can reduce the risk of AD. Consuming Russian Caravan tea combined with healthy, Japanese or Mediterranian diet can prevent Alzheimer’s diseases. (You may interested in :Â Benefits of Green Tea for Fertility Health)
4. It helps prevent tooth decay
Polyphenols compounds found in Russian Caravan tea plays important part in preventing tooth decay or cavities and makes the tea non-risk factor. As a therapy drink, it helps cleaning the mouth from bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Drink it soon after eating a snack will reduce the risk of getting tooth decay. Combine the regular consumption of Russian Caravan tea with other healthy habits and always brush your teeth properly to prevent cavities.
5. It helps reduce the risk of diabetes
Because of its low sugar properties and catechins compounds, Russian Caravan tea can be used as substitute for any drink with higher sugar level. For people with high blood sugar levels, catechins found in this tea will help to decrease it. So, this is a safe drink for diabetic person.
6. Control blood pressure
Russian caravan tea contains chemical compounds that can stabilize the blood pressure. For someone with high blood pressure, those chemicals will lower the pressure to a certain degree, thus preventing blood related diseases such as anemia, heart failure, etc.
The relaxing aroma of Russian Caravan can be a factor in lowering blood pressure as well. Also, you must control your anger, stay away from sexual interaction and have a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks. (Recommended article:Â Health Benefits of Drinking 3 Cups of Green Tea A Day)Â
7. It helps lower cholesterol
Chemical substances present in Russian Caravan tea can helps to lower cholesterol level by increasing the absorption rate and transport the cholesterol to be excreted in excretory system.
Other health benefits of Russian Caravan tea you might found interesting :
- Acts as a treatment for skin problems and acne
- Increasing the blood flow to prevent anemia
- Acts as anti-virus agent
- Eliminates bacteria in intestines
- Reduces the inflammation
- Adjusts body temperature to prevent fever, common colds, and hypothermia.
- Helps to prevent brochitis and asthma symptoms by relaxing respiratory tracts and muscles.
- Increases the metabolism of fat and benefits weight loss
CAUTIONS IN USING RUSSIAN CARAVAN TEA
There are recent reports that imply the presence of banned toxic pesticides in most Chinese and Indian Teas. But it is not known if Russian Caravan tea is included or not in the banned list. Hence, it is recommended to consult your tea experts to ask about these teas.