Warm beverages are capable of livening up your day

For some, it’s a sip of that piping hot cuppa that can change a dull, groggy morning into a brighter day. Be it working at the office desk, snuggling up on the couch, mingling at a social gathering or staying up all night for an exam cramming session, a warm beverage such as a cup of tea or coffee does wonders to liven up moods and improve concentration.

Roasted, aromatic beans or teabags filled with freshly-ground leaves, mixed with boiling water and blended with cool milk and sugar or honey is all-in-all an attractive result that tantalises and appeals to the senses. The traces of caffeine present in hot drinks helps jumpstart the mind to function throughout the day and sharpens focus.

There are numbers of coffee shops and tea stops, dotted across the UAE, that swarm with visitors every day. Comfortable settings teamed with freshly-brewed beverages have won the hearts of adolescents and career-oriented residents who choose to relax, unwind, socialise or set meetings at these places. These outlets offer a variety of blends to tickle taste buds. Hot drinks coupled with snacks such as bagels, cinnamon rolls, cakes, pastries and sandwiches complement one another as a great breakfast or evening nibble option.

Coffees come in the forms of latte, cappuccino and expresso along with blends of rich-flavoured syrups such as chocolate, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and fruits. Teas come in two forms – green and black tea – where the latter is more popular among UAE residents according to a study by the Emirates Industrial Bank (EIB). Brands of tea manufacturers produce different types of teas ranging from Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea to flavours such as forest fruits, lemon and mango-flavoured tea.

While tea bags are convenient to ‘dip-and-go’, some tea lovers prefer to sieve tea leaves through a mesh strainer for a richer flavour.

Dentists generally frown upon teeth being stained from beverages such as tea and coffee, but guzzling down these drinks hold several health benefits that appeal to its large consumer base. Both tea and coffee are known to contain antioxidants that can reduce risks of a number of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and some cancers. It also protects against free radicals produced as a result of tobacco smoke and radiation that cause damage to cells. While hot chocolate or cocoa comes with a tag for calorie-related nightmares, scientists have discovered that the ‘polyphenols’ present in the drink promote a healthy heart. Hot drinks also known to clear up sinuses and concoctions of ingredients can relieve sore throats.

According to a market analysis report published by the International Markets Bureau, consumer expenditure on tea, coffee and cocoa per capita in the UAE is expected to rise from 48.1 per cent in 2010 to 55.1 per cent by 2015. The Iranian, Indian sub-continent, British and Chinese residents in the UAE make up the tea drinking community while those from the Philippines prefer coffee. The Arab population is known to favour both tea and coffee.

farhana@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining