For 5000 years many different cultures have used tea as a treatment for many ailments - from colds and coughs to body aches and headaches. More recently researchers have discovered tea’s association with the potential management of some diseases, namely cancer and heart disease.

Tea is a natural source of powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from the damage caused by harmful free radicals.

Together with fruit and vegetables, tea forms an important part of a healthy diet.

Tea is a hydrating liquid and counts towards our recommended daily intake of fluid. Taken without milk or sugar, tea contains virtually no calories.

Tea has potential health benefits in cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. Scientific studies in these areas continue:

Tea contains natural antioxidants called flavonoids, The amount and type of flavonoids in tea depends on the variety, the amount of tea used in the pot or cup, and brewing habit.

The most commonly known antioxidants are Vitamins C, E and beta Carotene, found in fruit, vegetables, cereal and some vegetable oils. These are known as the ACE vitamins.

Antioxidants in our diet help prevent and repair the damage caused by free radical attack. Free radicals damage healthy cells and tissues and are formed in the body as a product of radiation, pollution, smoking and other sources.

Tea contains Manganese and Potassium. Two essential minerals vital for good health.

Five to Six cups of tea per day will provide up to 50% of the manganese that your body requires on daily basis. This amount of tea per day will also provide up to 75% of the reccommended daily intake of Potassium.

If deficient in Potassium fatigue and erratic heartbeats can become a common occurrence.

The natural oxidant properties of tea may help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Tea has ployphenols which has beneficial effects to lessen the risk of heart disease.

High Cholestrol and High Blood Pressure are two main risk factors in developing heart disease and it is known that tea is effective in reducing the levels of cholestrol and blood pressure.

Some research studies in the United States have shown polyphenols and flavins in tea has made a significant effect inhibiting the growth of pancreatic and prostrate tumors.

Tea could also have a role to play in changing the genes necessary for the cause of cancer.

It is widely believed that men who drink 2-3 cups of tea a day may reduce the risk of developing prostrate cancer by as mush as 30%.

Tea contains fluoride in a natural source and has a positive effect on decreasing the amount of tooth decay and gum disease.

Research has shown that tea can help in the prevention of dental cavities by changing the bacteria levels present in the mouth. This has a significant effect on the level of dental plaque and scale.

Drinking tea combined with good regular dental hygiene can help improve the strength and quality of your teeth.