South Africa’s number one Green tea, Tetley, has launched two new Green teas that are fortified with added vitamins.

These variants merge popular, fresh flavours and added vitamins to offer even more reasons to drink Green tea. The new Tetley+ Mango flavoured Green tea is fortified with Vitamin B5, while the Tetley+ Peach & Orange flavoured Green tea contains added Vitamin C.

“We have done a lot of research into the drivers behind Green tea consumption, as well as popular flavours, and benefits that the South African consumer is seeking out,” explained Candice Sessions, Tetley Marketing Manager. “Green tea is often consumed for its health benefits, but not everyone enjoys the taste of Pure Green tea. With our new range, we’re stepping up the existing health benefits of Green tea by adding Vitamins, while making it accessible to all through popular flavours.”

So why Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C? Tetley tea partner dietician, Mbali Mapholi, points out that these are two vitamins that are vital for improved body function and health.

What are the benefits of Vitamin B5?

“Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin which means it is excreted in the urine. Our bodies do not store it, so we need to consume it every day to replenish our supplies,” explained Mapholi. “It’s important for breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for the body to create energy, and so that these nutrients are used effectively in supporting the health of tissues, muscles, and organs.

“Vitamin B5 is specifically important for forming red blood cells, forming sex- and stress-related hormones, converting food into glucose, and synthesizing Coenzyme A (CoA) which is important for converting food into fatty acids and cholesterol.”

She said that emerging research also indicates that B5 supports skin moisture and supports the healing process of wounds.

What are the benefits of Vitamin C?

“Vitamin C is also a water-soluble vitamin which means our bodies can’t create this vitamin, it can only be sourced from the diet,” said Mapholi, adding that this vitamin is vital for many bodily functions.

“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. What this means is that it helps prevent or delay the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a causal role.”

She explained that Vitamin C is also needed for making collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters; as well as being involved in protein metabolism.

“Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue which is needed for wound healing. It also plays an important role in supporting a healthy immune system, improving the absorption of nonheme iron.”

Want the benefits of Green tea but not a fan of hot beverages?

Tetley+ Green tea’s fresh new flavours are perfectly suited for cold beverages like iced teas, smoothies, and slushies.

Top tip: Brew a cup of the flavour you want and allow it to cool. Pour into an ice tray and freeze into ice cubes. These can be added to iced teas, smoothies and slushies without diluting the flavour!

Peach & Orange iced Green tea

Ingredients

•    3 fresh oranges
•    2 fresh peaches
•    500ml boiling water
•    2 Tetley+ Peach & Orange flavoured Green teabags
•    1 tbsp honey (or more if desired)
•    Tetley+ Peach & Orange flavoured Green tea ice cubes

Method

1.   Add boiling water to 2 Tetley+ Peach & Orange flavoured Green teabags in a jug. Brew for 5 minutes and then remove tea bags.

2.   Stir in honey and allow to cool.

3.   Cut 2 of the oranges in half and squeeze the juice of the oranges into the jug.

4.   Cut the remaining orange as well as the 2 peaches into slices and add to the jug, along with the ice.

5.   Stir well and taste to see if more honey is required.

6.   Store in the fridge and enjoy!

Mango Green tea smoothie

Ingredients

•    1 fresh mango, cut into small chunks
•    2 ripe bananas, cut into chunks
•    1/2 cup plain yoghurt
•    ½ cup Tetley+ Mango flavoured Green tea ice cubes

Method

1.    Place all ingredients into a blender.

2.    Pulse until smooth.

3.    Enjoy immediately!

Visit www.joekels.co.za and @TetleyTeaSA or @urbandietitian on social media for more health tips and advice from Mbali Mapholi, as well as healthy recipes and ideas for the whole family.