Clinical Nutrition magazine findings are that green tea could shave off pounds. Researchers in Denmark and The Netherlands said.

Conversely experiments originated at the University of L’Aquilla, Italy, funded by the Lipton Institute of Tea said recent research, specifically revealed Black tea could pump up Heart health. (Courtsey Asia Siyaka weekly tea market research report) So ! where do we go from here was the intrigueging question. Naturally, growing confusion in tea circles, notwithstanding serious repercussions on sales quantum in what tea shelves could carry caused quite some confusion .

Were there trade wars on that internationally provoked producer countries to offer what was dictated? And by whom? ‘Certainly not’. Said a brokering source.

We spoke to tea people who unanimously said ‘Tea, black or green, is good. Drink it.’

Green tea is more expensive, added distinct snob value and emptied your purse sooner. This is hardly exceptional in the normal state of things. Black tea however (Ceylon Tea is usually an exceptional black tea), brewed just right, and drunk straight, steaming hot, could give that zest and get-up-and-go sensation and make no mistake, could sustain you throughout the day. ‘Drink as many cuppas you like. Tea is good for you. Not of course sugar and tea, but tea and a brash of sugar is just right, go for it’.

Naturally all this hype centers round money. Researchers believe findings on green tea could make an impact on the 7 billion dollar global weight loss and management industry.

The L’Aquila university study suggests black tea positively affected vascular function in respondents. Blood vessel reactivity increased conversely reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

Is there a war on? Cannot say just yet? But the bottom line is tea is the best.

At the Colombo auction last week demand was sustained. Brokers reported both low growns and mid growns sold well. 6.7 million kilos were auctioned last week. Prizes were good. 7.3 million kilos will be on sale this week. Expectations were this week too prices would hold.

Top sellers last week were Brunswick and Laxapana in the Maskeliya basin, and Lipakelle in Lindula. In Nuwara Eliya, tea marks that made news were Lovers leap, Mahagastota, and Kenmare. Pick of the Uva high growns were Craig, and Nayabedde far into the Bandarawela, highlands. Batawatta in the Madulsima plateau too made news.

Sri Lanka tea production at 48.7 million kilos to end March, tells a dismal story. 2008, production the same period was 82.6 million kilos.