Clever inventors have come up with a cup that will stir your cup of tea without the need for a teaspoon. Two French designers from Ana Gram created the cup, called Ceramic for Life, but they insist “The aim is not to kill the spoon, but to suggest an alternative for a special occasion.” Read more here.

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts have unveiled preliminary research that suggests antioxidants found in tea and red wine may help regulate blood sugar in diabetics.

The research suggests that tea and red wine may inhibit the action of alpha-glucosidase, which slows down the absorption of glucose from the small intestine. This novel action within the human body may help people with type 2 diabetes. Both red wine and tea contain antioxidants that appear to slow transit of blood glucose after ingestion of food. Black tea had the highest impact inhibiting the activity of alpha-glucosidase, followed by white tea and oolong tea.

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One of the perks our job is to occassionally visit the tea estates where our tea comes from. During 2007, we were lucky enough to spend a day at the Idulgashinna Estate in Sri Lanka. We were treated to a very educational tea tasting. More to follow…

We all know the tea leaf has wonder properties but a recent study by boffins from Cardiff University and the University of Maryland has revealed how a cup of black tea could be the next line of defence in the threat of bio-terrorism. According to their findings, a cup of English Breakfast tea could well be an antidote to anthrax (as long as you don’t add milk). Click here to find out more…

So, if we are unlucky enough to be faced with a bio-terror attack, put the kettle on and start downing some black tea. Just be sure to lay off the milk. Thankfully all that tea should also help to steady your nerves and make you ready for whatever happens next.