Naturally Healthy, from leaf to cup
Tea, like fruit and vegetables, is a natural source of polyphenols and flavonoids which act as antioxidants in the body, helping to fight free-radical cell damage. A cup of tea is estimated to have the same antioxidant power as 6 apples, it's such a powerful little plant!
Research has shown that the younger the buds or leaf when picked, the higher the level of antioxidants. So any tea made from the youngest spring harvested leaves can be considered rich in antioxidants. Green tea is particularly high in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), it's the polyphenol that's regarded as most beneficial for human health and disease prevention.
Green tea is a great source of L-Theanine. It's an amino acid, rare in nature and only found in certain types of mushroom and tea.
L-Theanine is renowned for reducing mental and physical stress and keeping us calm. It gives green tea its umami, sweet and savoury flavour.
The combination of L-Theanine and caffeine is a special combination, whilst caffeine is a stimulant, L-Theanine calms the body – both working together to give a feeling of alert calm. It's a magical property, not found in any other drinks, and quite likely the reason that green tea has played such a pivotal role in meditative practices such as Buddhism over the Centuries.
Tea is also a fantastic source of minerals such as fluoride (helps protect teeth from dental cavities), manganese (essential for bone growth and development) and potassium (vital for maintaining body fluid levels). All elements found naturally occurring in the soil, and accumulated by the tea plant through its root systems.
Calorie free (when taken without milk) and contributing to your daily fluid intake, tea is a healthy hydrating choice any time of day.
