TEA is a great British tradition, and studies show it has health benefits.
Different varieties have varying levels of goodness.
Some improve blood pressure and gut health, as well as supporting bone health and reducing the risk of cancer.
Jane Atkinson looks at the healthy new options on the market that are worth raising a cup to.
Kombucha
GO Kombucha is British brewed and the “Green Sencha” variety I tried tastes amazing.
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If you’re looking after your health kombucha is a great idea.
Studies show the drink – made from fermented sweetened black tea – can provide similar benefits to green tea and protects against conditions such as cancer and diabetes.
It also has probiotics, which are good for gut health.
It is about 117 calories a bottle against about 600 for a bottle of wine.
This has a great taste of elderflower with a slight fizz and just 3.9 per cent sugar.
A great fermented tea (£2.49 for 250ml, gokombucha.co.uk)
Mother Cuppa
MOTHER Cuppa has made a range of teas that are blended just for women and are said to help with hormones, stress levels, health and wellbeing.
They contain adaptogenic herbs that could improve your stress levels and overall health.
They do brews that energise, hydrate and relax.
I tried the “Energising” variety mid-afternoon when I was feeling sluggish.
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It is a blend of ginger (30 per cent) hibiscus, apple, beetroot, rosehip, ashwagandha, lemongrass, peppermint, berries and fruits.
It is a beautiful pink colour thanks to the beetroot but has a fantastic light fruity flavour from the cherry.
I am not a huge fan of herbal teas but I really liked the refreshing taste of this one.
(£8.99 for a box of 14 tea bags, mothercuppatea.com)
Wine alternative
THIS naturally fermented sparkling tea from The Real Drinks Company is described as an alternative to Champagne or sparkling wine.
And if you’re on a health kick and want to kick the booze, it is.
I tried the Dry Dragon which is made from lonjing green tea, sugar and live cultures – which are all good for your gut.
Lonjing green tea is said to help lower blood pressure and keep cholesterol levels under control.
This is dry, fresh and slightly fruity tasting with a soft fizz.
It’s just 16 calories per 100ml and three per cent sugar.
I love this as a wine alternative.
Just be aware that tea contains caffeine so it’s best not to drink at night if you struggle with sleep.
Keeps in bottles.
(250ml cans £2.92 each, realdrinks.co.)
