With the pace of life being what it is, we hardly have time to control what we eat and drink — even though we know we should. It's far easier to grab a snack on the go, than to sit down to eat a healthy balanced meal. Enter our hero — your everyday cup of tea.

Yes, we know tea is great tasting, but there's even more reason to celebrate this tasty brew — tea is good for you.

Packed full of antioxidants, naturally preservative free and low in calories, there are just so many reasons to drink tea. And in the midst of a busy day, its easily accessible — a quick minute is all it takes to grab a cup full of health.

Basic rules such as watching your calorie intake, and drinking at least eight glasses of water per day are important to follow, when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"Black tea is naturally low in calories, containing only one calorie per 100ml", comments Debbie Shepard, brand manager at Five Roses.

This makes tea a perfect low-calorie drink option, provided you control the amount of sugar and milk you use per cup. A cup of tea also contributes to your daily water intake, as you will typically use one teabag per 180ml of water.

What of the caffeine content?

Although teas such as black tea contain a form of caffeine, they contain about half the amount that you would find in a cup of coffee. For an even lower caffeine option, try green tea, and if you are looking to avoid caffeine altogether, try decaffeinated tea.

Either way, if you're watching your caffeine intake, tea is a good alternative as a hot drink that is refreshing and delicious. 

Tea is packed full of polyphenols, which are a good source of antioxidants. Foods containing high levels of antioxidants have been celebrated for their ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Antioxidants also help to build the body's natural immunity and improve skin tissue.

And in this day and age, when food is treated with all kinds of preservatives, tea is naturally preservative free, another reason why this drink is so popular, and shown to be the second most widely consumed beverage, after water.

"Tea is truly the unsung hero when it comes to healthy beverages", comments Shepard.

The fact that it is great tasting and versatile goes without saying. The real news is that drinking tea is good for your health".

Tea tips:

• Tea is a cost effective way of keeping healthy, a cup of tea works out to around only 19 cents!
• Homemade iced tea is easy to make, and a great healthy alternative to carbonated soft drinks and juices for the whole family.
• Chilled iced tea served with fresh mint is a stylish addition to any alfresco meal.
• Meet friends for tea instead of coffee.

 

• Decaffeinated tea is a great option when you're pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make a high tea occasion, invite friends and family to enjoy an elegant spread, serve your tea in a beautiful tea pot, with lemon and honey as an alternative to milk.