From wine alternatives to stress-relieving drinks – we test new healthy teas on the market

ASD is a great British tradition and studies show it has health benefits.

Different varieties have different quality levels.

Some improve blood pressure and gut health, as well as supporting bone health and reducing the risk of cancer.

Jane Atkinson looks at the new healthy options on the market that are worth raising a cup for.

Kombucha

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GO Kombucha is a British beer and the “Green Sencha” variety I tried tastes amazing.

If you are taking care of your health, kombucha is a great idea.

Studies show that the drink – made from fermented and sweetened black tea – can provide similar benefits to green tea and protects against diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

It also contains probiotics, which are good for gut health.

There are around 117 calories per bottle versus around 600 for a bottle of wine.

It has a great elderflower flavor with a slight fizz and only 3.9% sugar.

A great fermented tea (£2.49 for 250ml, gokombucha.co.uk)

Mother Cup

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MOTHER Cuppa has made a variety of teas prepared just for women and that help control hormones, stress levels, health and well-being.

They contain adaptogenic herbs that can improve your stress levels and overall health.

They make beers that energize, hydrate and relax.

I tried the “Energizing” variety mid-afternoon when I was feeling sluggish.

It’s a blend of ginger (30 percent), hibiscus, apple, beetroot, rosehip, ashwagandha, lemongrass, peppermint, berries and fruits.

It’s a beautiful pink color thanks to the beetroot, but has a fantastic light fruity flavor from the cherry.

I’m not a huge fan of herbal teas, but I really liked the refreshing taste of this one.

(£8.99 for a box of 14 tea bags, mothercuppatea. with)

Wine alternative

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THIS naturally fermented sparkling tea from The Real Drinks Company is described as an alternative to champagne or sparkling wine.

And if you’re looking for health and want to give up drinking, this is it.

I tried Dry Dragon, made with lonjing green tea, sugar and live cultures – which are good for the intestines.

Lonjing green tea is said to help reduce blood pressure and keep cholesterol levels in check.

It is dry, fresh and has a slightly fruity flavor with a slight effervescence.

There are just 16 calories per 100ml and three percent sugar.

I love this as an alternative to wine.

Be aware that tea contains caffeine, so it’s best not to drink it at night if you have trouble sleeping.

Stores in bottles.

(250ml cans £2.92 each, realdrinks.co.)