Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage after water, there are many potential benefits of drinking tea:

Stimulant: Even the first Chinese discoverers of the plant recognised very quickly its value as a mental stimulant. It has less caffeine than coffee and the effects generally last longer.

Anti-ageing: Tea is rich in antioxidants which help defend the body against free-radicals, unstable molecules which can damage the body in many ways, particularly as we get older.

Protects the heart: Studies have shown that regular consumption of tea acts as a safeguard against heart disease. Anti-bacterial: Tea has been shown to slow the bacteria which causes tooth decay and recent research has indicated that green tea helps antibiotics in the killing of bacteria. Protects arteries: Black tea has been shown to help maintain arterial function, steady blood pressure and control cholestorol levels.

Slimming agent: Recent years have shown a marked increase in the promotion of teas as an aid to weight loss. Tea is a diuretic and low caffeine varieties can be consumed all day long. It has also been shown that green tea can increase metabolic rates.

Anti-stress: As well as being a stimulant, the flavenoids in tea also make it a relaxant which dilates the capillary vessels

Boosts immune system: A study has shown that regular tea consumption increases the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T-cells.

Although often far from conclusive, further studies have examined green tea as a 'treatment' or compliment to various diseases. Cancer, HIV, diabetes are among these.