If you've recently paid us a visit, our delicious new range of Mighty Leaf speciality teas probably caught your eye. From Chocolate Orange Truffle to Pear Caramel and Tropical Green Tea, these delectable loose teas offer a flavour to suit every taste.

The new range of teas are perfect if you fancy a nice sweet treat without the calories but drinking tea not only provides an intoxicating sensory and flavourful taste experience, it also helps to promote good health. Tea contains an abundant source of natural plant-derived antioxidant compounds called polyphenols. Included within the broad antioxidant polyphenol class are flavonoids and catechins. For many years, tea flavonoids have been thought to provide protective antioxidant action against harmful free radicals that can damage DNA, cell membranes and other cell components.

There are 8 key health benefits linked to relaxing with a refreshing cup of speciality tea:

1. Preventing Cancer and Heart Disease

It’s believed that free radicals can cause heart disease, some kinds of cancer and increase the risk of strokes. Recent research has shown:

• Drinking tea with its high antioxidant levels may help protect the body from cancer by combating dangerous free radical activity and inhibiting uncontrolled cell growth

• Anti-oxidants may have curative properties that inhibit the development of heart disease and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack  

• Tea flavonoids may increase coronary flow and promote healthy blood vessel functionality  

• Consuming tea lowers cholesterol levels. 
   

2. Naturally Combats Anxiety and Stress

L-theanine, a unique amino acid, accounts for over 50% of the free amino acids in tea leaves and less than 2% of the total weight of dry leaf in both black and green teas. Studies show that L-theanine may promote relaxation and calm by influencing particular chemicals in the brain. Studies show that the amino acid, without causing drowsiness, enhances overall concentration and focus. The effect of L-theanine in combination with caffeine may contribute to the feeling of increased energy and overall calm that many you experience when you have a cup of tea.

3. Strengthens the Immune System

Research performed at Harvard University and the Bringham and Women’s Hospital indicates that drinking tea helps strengthen the immune system. L-theanine naturally found in tea aids the immune system in combating and naturally resisting infection, bacteria and viruses.

4. Aids Weight Management

Some preliminary research shows that drinking Green tea may help decrease body weight and speed up insulin activity.

5. Oral Health Benefits

Tea flavonoids may help reduce plaque, which lowers the chance of cavity and gum disease, and the fluoride (extracted from the soil) in tea may aid in protecting against tooth decay by supporting healthy tooth enamel.

6. Increased Bone Health

Research indicates that tea flavonoids may strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.

7. Enhanced Hydration

Drinking tea positively contributes towards your daily fluid intake. It is a misnomer that tea should be avoided altogether as a fluid replacement due to caffeine’s diuretic properties. Studies show that tea fails to have a diuretic effect due to caffeine unless the amount of tea drunk during one sitting contains more than 250-300mg of caffeine, equivalent to between 5 and 6 cups of tea.

8. Nutritional Benefits

In addition to valuable antioxidant properties and enhancing overall fluid intake, tea contains many vitamins, minerals and amino acids that include the following: 

• Vitamins: C, K, B12, B6 and E
   
• Minerals: Trace amounts of potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium ; Tea provides 70% of our daily fluoride intake 
   
• Amino Acids: Tea is provides a strong source of amino acids including L-theanine

COMING SOON...Festive Afternoon Teas available from the 1st of November!