Unilever, one of the world's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, today announced at a press conference that Lipton research institute has discovered Theanine, a new substance found in tea, believed to increase focus and mind clarity. In separate statistical researches, studies confirmed that the world consumes around 3.5 billion cups of tea every day.
Solene Naveos, Nutritional Consultant - Unilever Food and Health Research Institute, in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands added, “We are witnessing huge progress in research into the benefits of tea. Many of these studies are carried out with the support of the Lipton Institute of Tea in London, whose mission is to increase the knowledge about tea from bush to cup- how it is made, its environmental impact, and its health benefits”.
Solene confirmed that scientific studies prove that tea contains anti-oxidants called flavonoids, which are thought to play a role in mediating the reduction in heart disease and stroke observed in tea drinkers. New research has shown that tea also contains some nutrients that can improve mental performance.
Since 2004, the US National Institute of Health has published over 1000 studies which examine the positive health properties of tea. These studies confirm the inherent goodness of tea and that tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. It provides the body with calorie free hydration, since tea is 99 percent water and free of calories unless milk or sugar is added.
Dr. Cherifa Aboul Fettouh, famous Nutritionist, added: "Tea is considered to be one of the most important food supplements that aid mind clarity. Contrary to what is believed that tea is harmful after meals, tea is an important element that supports digestion and helps achieve mind clarity especially after heavy food by one hour."
Studies show that Theanine passes through the blood-brain barriers and improves brain function by reducing stress and anxiety, while maintaining a relaxed and alert state of mind. It has been found that drinking 2 to 3 cups of tea daily improves mental performance and theanine is thought to be important in this benefit.
About Unilever:
Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care for Middle East consumers with brands such as Knorr, Lipton, Dove, Lux, Sunsilk, Clear, Comfort, Signal, Close up, Rexona, Axe, Cif, Good Morning, Sunlight and Mist. Unilever Mashreq constitutes 7 countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Palestine.
Lipton: Lipton Tea, the world's leading tea brand, is available in more than 180 countries worldwide. With more than 100 years of tasting, buying, and blending expertise, Lipton Tea provides today's health-conscious consumer with a variety of convenient, great-tasting, healthy tea products. In the Middle East, Lipton has a long history and deep roots, and has established itself as a market leader in the hot beverage category.
