Unilever point out benefits of black tea

58 percent of consumers surveyed mistakenly identify herbal tea as a good source of antioxidants, when in fact herbal tea, unlike green and black tea, does not contain antioxidants.

24/08/05 Unilever is highlighting a recent survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation which reveals that Americans overwhelmingly associate health benefits with green tea and overlook the health benefits of regular, black tea. Seventy-one percent identify hot green tea as a good source of antioxidants, while only 34 percent of respondents view regular hot tea as a good source of antioxidants. In fact, regular (black) and green tea have virtually the same amount of antioxidants. Additionally, 58 percent of those surveyed mistakenly identify herbal tea as a good source of antioxidants, when in fact herbal tea, unlike green and black tea, does not contain antioxidants.

Although consumers surveyed identify the health benefits of hot tea, less recognize that many bottled iced teas and some powdered iced tea mixes also have antioxidants. Sixty-two percent of those surveyed believe that bottled iced teas come from artificial chemicals, and only five percent view powdered tea mixes as healthy.

"This survey reveals that Americans do not realize that the health benefits of tea extend well beyond hot, green teas," said Patricia Zenobi, Unilever Marketing Director, Lipton US. "Liptonâ black and green, hot and iced teas all come from the tea leaf, and contain the naturally protective benefits of antioxidants."

Both black and green teas are derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The main difference is the processing method – green tea leaves are dried immediately after picking and are not fully oxidized. Regionally, there are different methods to prevent oxidization. For instance, in Japan tea leaves are steamed and in China the leaves are pan fired directly after plucking. Black tea is partially dried, but then undergoes a full oxidation (also called fermentation).

The health benefits gained from drinking black and green tea are comparable, both helping to promote health and well-being. "The decision to drink black or green tea," said Zenobi, "is simply a matter of taste. In fact many people prefer the taste of black tea. Now they can be assured that they also get the health benefits when drinking their favorite cup of tea."

Black and green teas naturally contain protective antioxidants called flavonoids.* Despite consumer perceptions uncovered by the survey, green and black tea have virtually the same amount of flavonoid antioxidants. Flavonoid antioxidants are absorbed into the body after drinking tea, raising the antioxidant levels to protect the body from free radicals. Scientists believe that oxidative damage can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease.

To help consumers make smart beverage choices, many Lipton teas feature the AOX Seal, a proprietary mark that indicates substantial levels of antioxidants. Issued by the Unilever Health Institute, the Seal can be found on Lipton black and green teas, including tea bags, New Green Tea Iced Tea Mix, New Lipton To Go and most Lipton ready-to-drink bottled iced teas (including New Lipton Iced Tea and Lipton Original Iced Tea). When consumers see the AOXTM Seal on specially marked packages, they can be assured of getting not only great tasting refreshment, but also the healthy benefits of real tea.