Tea Has Neuroprotective Effect

A new study performed in Singapore and published in the US Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found tea to be an excellent protector of cognitive ability.

This study shows great potential for the aging populations of the world to help protect against age-related neuro-degenerative problems. So add this new study to the raft of others that show tea to be a great health booster.

Original story here.

Tea in Art: Tea Break

This photo was originally taken during the winter months for its warmth and simplicity. I think it fits at any time of the year though.

The photographer is janisDA

UK's Top Tea Place 2008

The Juri's Old Bakery Tea shop in Winchcombe Gloucestershire has won the most coveted tea award in the UK.  The UK Tea Council who monitor and asses tea rooms across the UK have been conducting incognito investigations to find the finest tea shop of them all.

The tea shop is owned and run by the Miyawaki family.  With their Japanese heritage and love of tea they've made it their mission to create a paradise of tea in the county of Gloucester.

If you want more information you can see the original story here: UK's Top Tea Place

I shall give my own review in the next few months when I pay them a visit.

Tea Fights Anthrax!

It may sound like I'm about to reel off a satirical nonsense to play on teas many health benefits but I assure you its absolutely true!! Tea has been found to fight one of the most deadly bacteriums on the planet - Anthrax.

Scientists in the Welsh School of Pharmacy at Cardiff University(UK) and University of Maryland(US) have found tea to inhibit the actions of anthrax.

Though once again - as has been the case before - the addition of milk to tea seems to completely remove all of its anti-anthrax properties.

I foresee a surge in tea drinking among military personnel wanting to stave off the possibility of anthrax attack.  Though I'm not sure I'd want to risk trying it out in the field!

Tea Cure for Diabetes?

The BBC recently ran a story saying that tea could be used as a cure for diabetes in the future.  Thats not to mean everyone should stop taking their insulin shots but they do say that some of the theoflavins in tea behave in a similar way to insulin and could pave the way to alternative treatments!

The list of tea health benefits just keeps on growing!

Twinings Canada Blog

I didn't know there was a Twinings of Canada until recently. Canadians are like good versions of Americans. Less coffee - more tea. Anyway - Twinings of Canada have created a new blog that all good tea fanatics should enjoy! :)

Black as Good as Green

I'm always on the look out for information like this - as a big fan of black tea I've always been weary of the constant good press of green tea over its black cousin. I've always believed there's a place for both in a healthy diet.

So I was very happy to read a recent newsletter from the UK Tea Council stating: "Black tea has the same effect on endothelial function as green tea".

It goes on to say:

British Journal of Nutrition has shown that black tea improves endothelial function to the same degree as green tea despite having a lower catechin concentration.

In laymans terms? Black tea is just as effective an antioxidant as green tea!

Good news for black tea fans!

Welcome to 2008

Happy New Year everyone - I hope you all had a great festive period and you're all now looking forward to the new year ahead. I forsee many a good thing happening this year, including with this blog.

Has anyone made any new years resolutions or plans?

I've written out a full mission statement and will be pinning it to my wall to keep me focused on the year ahead. I shall be following this post very shortly with a Teas of 2007 and Tea in Art. As well as a review on Clipper Organic Chocolate drink.

All the best to all visitors and I wish you a prosperous New Year.