On North African tables, green tea appears almost simultaneously with every large meal of beef and lamb. Local folk medicine believes that green tea "relieves greasiness, aids digestion, and reduces internal heat"-in modern scientific terms, this means that polyphenols promote fat metabolism and have antioxidant properties. This traditional understanding has recently gained scientific endorsement on social media. Young people on TikTok see short videos about "green tea's anti-aging properties" and "green tea's ability to eliminate free radicals," instantly giving this traditional beverage the aura of a "functional health drink." Some Chinese tea companies have astutely seized this trend, labeling their packaging "rich in antioxidants," and sales have subsequently soared. Health concerns have elevated a cup of tea from a daily habit to a lifestyle.
