Microsoft word - mr tea to hydrate september 2008.doc

MEDIA RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 2008
DRINK TEA FOR WINTER HYDRATION

Busting myths that caffeine makes you dehydrated

Keeping ourselves hydrated is a crucial to our survival. It is well known that we can
survive for days without food – about 50 in fact – as long as we have water. Without
water however, our days are significantly numbered to around three.
For years we have been told that drinking six to eight glasses of water a day - a big ask for many - is vital to keeping us well hydrated, and that we should avoid caffeinated drinks as they contribute to overall dehydration. However, research over the last few years has revealed that tea, despite its caffeine content, contributes significantly to our hydration levels. Tea's ability to help our hydration is such because the amount of tea needed to be consumed to start dehydrating our bodies is far in excess of what we would realistically drink on a daily basis.1 This is great news for people who struggle to drink the recommended daily intake of water, particularly in winter, as Nutritionist and Founder of Real Nutrition, Jacquie Dale explains; “Fluid balance is crucial for healthy body function. Itʼs a major component of the body and requires continual replenishment. Water regulates body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen in the blood, allows excretion of waste and lubricates the body tissues including the joints and eyes.” “Many of my clients really do struggle to keep their water intake up. Busy schedules or the fact that they actually donʼt like drinking copious amounts of cold water on a daily basis, especially in the colder winter months, contributes to a lack of hydration.” “Not many are aware that they can actually drink tea, as an alternative way to maintain their fluid intake. In fact a lot of them consciously avoid tea, as they believe it will only make them de-hydrated. Of course I explain to them that a cup of tea is about 98.2% water and the amount of caffeine really isnʼt high enough to make them dehydrated.” “In fact I recommend that those who do struggle to drink water to have about four to six cups of black or green tea a day, to assist them in their fluid intake. Bellʼs range of teas is a great option. They have a tea for every time of day – Bell Kenya Bold is a good strong brew for the morning, Bell Pure Ceylon or Bell Zesty Green are great for mid-morning or that afternoon pick-me-up and Bell Decaf makes a good night cap.” “Full of antioxidants, tea is a healthy, hydrating winter warmer. There are also a number of infusions available on the market with lemon, ginger and echinacea, which can give the immune system a bit of a boost in the colder winter months.” For more information on tea and health please visit www.belltea.co.nz. 1 Tea Advisory Panel, fact sheet on Tea ad Hydration http://www.tea.co.uk/healthresources.php#fact26 >

ENDS
Prepared on behalf of the Bell Tea Company by the pr shop. For more information please contact Lydia Blatch on (09) 368 1078 or email [email protected]

Source: http://www.belltea.co.nz/pdfs/press/sep08-MR-tea-to-hydrate.pdf