National Tea Day is officially celebrated on April 21 in the United Kingdom as a day to appreciate and promote the consumption of tea.

In 2016, the date April 21 was chosen as National Tea Day to celebrate the popular classic beverage in England as the day also marks the birthday of Queen Elizabeth.

The aromatic beverage is a huge part of British culture and is often considered as both a meal and a drink. The famous British afternoon tea is a classic example of this. It is estimated that the British drink about 165 million cups of tea every day.

The British tea rooms, pubs and cafés celebrate National Tea Day by hosting special events. This includes elaborate tea tasting, tea parties and tea blending festivals.

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The founders of National Tea Day hold an annual “Fes-Tea-Val” by bringing the best of tea industry under one umbrella with a slogan “Brew More. Do More.”

Although the varieties and flavors of tea preferred by people differ across various geographies, tea is still the second most-consumed drink in the world after water.

The day calls all tea lovers across the world to sit back, relax and enjoy the day with the comfort of their favorite tea. Although this beverage is usually consumed purely for its taste, here are seven health benefits you get while you enjoy your favorite cup of tea:

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  1. Drinking Tea Keeps You Hydrated: Although water is still numero uno when it comes to keeping you hydrated, scientists believe that drinking tea is equally helpful. Although high in caffeine, tea can be considered as a rich and flavorsome alternative to water.
  2. Tea Helps Prevent Tooth Decay: Tea is a great source of fluoride, which can strengthen your tooth enamel. The antioxidants in the drink also help you to fight against bacteria and gum disease.
  3. Tea Reduces Risks Of Heart Disease: Drinking tea can promote blood flow by widening key arteries and thereby, reducing the risk of blood clots. Antioxidants called flavonoids present in tea also slow down the onset and risk of heart disease.
  4. Drinking Tea Can Boost Your Memory: Scientists believe that drinking certain types of tea such as green tea can help you strengthen your memory cells in the brain. It can even offer protection from diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
  5. Drinking Tea Helps In Weight Loss: Studies have shown that drinking tea regularly can improve fat burning and speed up weight loss. It can also be considered as a healthier alternative to a soft drink.
  6. Tea Reduces Cancer Risk: Although studies are still developing in this area, scientists have noted that prostate, mouth and breast cancer cases are much lower amongst those who regularly drink five or more cups of tea a day.
  7. Helps To Maintain Blood Sugar Level: Some studies suggest that the catechins in green tea helps to maintain blood sugar levels and reduces the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
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