Dear MEL Topic Readers,
How Britain's taste for tea may have been a life saver
Tea holds a significant place in British culture, but its introduction
and integration into the country's daily life were gradual. When tea was
introduced to Britain in the 17th century by Dutch and Portuguese traders, it
was initially a luxury enjoyed only by the elite due to its high cost and
scarcity. The drink gained popularity among the aristocracy and wealthy
merchants, who viewed it as a fashionable and exotic beverage. In the 18th
century, as trade with India and China increased, so did tea consumption. When the
tax on tea was cut down to 12.5% from 119% in 1784, tea consumption surged and tea
became an everyday drink to commoners and even peasants. Interestingly, the annual
death rate in Britain decreased between 1761 and 1834 when living standards
didn’t make a significant improvement or even declined in cities due to the
rise the Industrial Revolution. According to a recent study, the decrease in the
mortality rate during the period is attributed to the rapid increase in tea
consumption. Why? Is there any health benefit of drinking tea?
Enjoy reading the article and learning about what tea did to British
lives in the 18th century.
No comments:
Post a Comment