Here is another reason to consider increasing your intake of either green or black tea: scientists have linked the consumption of three cups a day to a reduced risk of stroke.

Researchers at UCLA looked at a number of studies that had explored the connection between drinking tea and suffering a stroke.

Their analysis concluded that those who drank at least three cups of either black or green tea each day cut their chances of having a stroke by 21 percent, compared with those who drank the least.

Although tea made from the plant Camellia sinensis was shown to be effective in this respect, herbal teas did not affect stroke risk. Camellia sinensis can also be consumed in the form of nutritional supplements.

Lead author Dr Lenore Arab called the findings “exciting,” saying that “if we can find a way to prevent the stroke or prevent the damage that is simple and not toxic, that would be a great advance.”

The researchers hypothesize that antioxidants or amino acids may be responsible for the protective benefits of tea.