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Ask a Pakistani to tell you — really think about it and tell you — how many cups of tea on average they drink everyday and they’ll surprise you. Chances are they’ll surprise themselves. Tea-drinking is so much a part of our sensibility, our culture, our collective memory that we do it almost thoughtlessly, throughout our days and throughout our lives, and we do it repeatedly. Wake up in the morning and have a cup of tea. Midday break? Have a cup of tea. After lunch? Tea, of course. That it is a part of the evening tea-time is obvious. Having friends over? Treat them to tea. Even dinner time isn’t really over until that last cup of tea has been savoured. It is also a rite of passage of sorts into adulthood. Children are often not allowed to have tea and then when they are, they feel like they’re now part of a ritual that gives them access to the mysterious world of adults. But how many of us have really taken a closer look at this most ubiquitous of beverages?
It is recommended that we consume about two to three litres of water everyday. Consumer studies have shown tea to be as thirst-quenching as water and yet more pleasurable. This provides individuals with a more appealing way to meet their fluid requirements without having to resort to carbonated drinks. Further, brewed tea contains, on an average, half the level of caffeine found in a cup of brewed coffee. Research has shown that regular tea consumption can help keep us alert and revitalized. Tea when drunk on its own, without milk or sugar, not only tastes great but contains virtually no calories. This means that tea is an excellent accompaniment to a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle and to your weight-management programme. And what’s more, population studies around the world show that individuals who regularly consume tea (without milk or sugar) as part of a healthy lifestyle, are more likely to maintain their heart’s health compared to those who don’t. Another great benefit of tea is that it is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants may have the potential to reinforce our body’s natural defences against free radicals and thus may minimize damage to the body.
Tea is also a great source of fluoride in the diet. Good fluoride intake is associated with better dental health. In addition, the flavonoids found in tea have demonstrated antibacterial properties which in turn are again beneficial to dental health. Add to this the ability of flavonoids to make tooth enamel more resistant to acids and you have a beverage that is actually good for your teeth for a change. And last but certainly not the least; brewed tea is the major dietary source of L-theanine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid. L-theanine (at levels found in two to three cups) has been shown to increase your alpha brainwaves which are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. Alpha activity also plays an important role in the ability to stay attentive. Here at last then is the truth behind the endless cups of tea consumed around exam-time and at work!
So here’s to those who already knew all about the natural goodness of tea and make it their preferred drink, and to those who didn’t know but consume it nonetheless. As for the sceptics, they have hopefully been converted. Because the message tea brings for all is simple: let’s drink to health!
Source: Lipton Institute of Tea
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“This band has made an excellent recording which sounds great and makes for an enjoyable and meaningful listening experience. I am happy to recommend this recording to anyone who loves good music,” said Peter Erskine.
We can only agree with Jazz legend Peter Erskine when he had nothing but praise for Café du Sport. Theirs is a broad spectrum of creative sounds, a combination of styles cool and hot, funky and elegant, emotional and energetic is characteristic for their performances. Now you can listen and hear them for yourself! They are visiting Pakistan, straight from the heart of the current German Jazz music and are waiting to share a most extraordinary evening with you at the Arts Council Auditorium.
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Themes is a one-stop shop for all those looking for trendy and stylish clothing. It caters to the insatiable demand for hand-woven fabric and an overwhelming range of products which include hand-painted suits and sarees, block prints, discharge prints and also a vast variety of extravagant pouches. The products at Themes have their own unique look and signature style. A must-visit indeed.
Located at: G-41, Ground Floor, Lavish Mall (opposite Rabi Centre),
Tariq Road, Karachi
Tel: 021-4327204, 021-2004099
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