India, Nov. 13 -- Energy slump and tea are often used interchangeably. Feeling groggy in the morning? Put the stove on for tea. Bored at work? Go for a stroll with colleagues to the nearby tea place. Feeling drained after a long meeting? Tea to the rescue. Tired at home after a long day's work? Snuggle on the couch with a hot tea. In other words, whenever your energy level feels low, the first instinct is to reach for a caffeinated drink like tea.

But with Delhi's air remaining polluted for weeks on end, with no relief in sight, energy levels too take a hit. To cope with the smoggy season, as usual, many may turn to tea. But while it may lift your spirits, does it really help your body deal with pollution?

Morning cup of chai may have b...