Abstract

Background: There are numerous rumors concerning the consumption of tea which has no substantial verification. It contains so many elements, numerous of which offer health benefits, but individuals are not aware of it. The present study aimed to explore the knowledge of the Karachi population about tea preference and its effects on health.Methodology: This was a validated, observational, self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted on the population of Karachi, Pakistan. A random sampling technique was used to recruit the participants from the general population consisting of both males and females aged between 19-60 years of age. The study was conducted from March 2023 till October 2023.Results: The total population included in this study was 1200. Most of the population was single (57.1%), middle class (56.5%), students (39.9%), and educated to the level of postgraduate (37.9%). Most of them had a family history of diabetes (33.1%) and CVD (27.8%). Of 15.5% of participants who drink tea as their habit, 69% drink white tea with low sugar (85.5%) and fresh milk (35.3%). The participants' knowledge was excellent about tea and its ingredients (42%) but was fair about its health impacts (47%).Conclusion: Due to the presence of such a wide range of bio-active molecules in a “cup” of tea, makes tea an attractive and compelling example of a functional food. And a relevant model of understanding and empowering the health benefits of functional foods in human life. However, on the other hand, it does have detrimental health effects on individuals who consume it extraordinarily or have a family history of diabetes, obesity, and CVD.