Key Facts:
- This is a new tea species that has been developed in Kenya and is only grown in the country. (Camellia sinensis plant).
- The tea gets its name from its purple leaves, this tea has been developed over a period of 25 years by the Kenya Tea Research Foundation.
- A few studies have shown that purple tea has a higher degree of antioxidant activity as compared to green or black teas.
- The pigment found in the purple tea “anthocyanin” is what makes the tea very special. It is important to note that purple tea contains a distinctive type of polyphenol (GHG), that is not found in other tea varieties. The high levels of anthocyanins in this tea results in high anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are also said to reduce body fat, have anti-aging properties, fight diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Plants like purple grapes, blueberries, red cabbage or eggplants, cranberries, plums, and pomegranate, etc. get their reddish, blue or purple color from anthocyanins.
Research and studies on the health benefits of purple tea are still ongoing, we will be sure to keep you updated on progress.