Researchers have discovered drinking a small cup of tea five times a day can boost your immune system and may help ward off emerging cancer cells.

Tea contains seven of the eight essential human amino acids, plus some non-essential amino acids and its own unique amino acid called theanine.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes and help with tissue repair, cell building, forming antibodies to attack bacteria and viruses.

Tea also has flavonoids that restrict the build-up of cholesterols and strengthen blood vessels. According to research in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the plant nutrient EGCG helps prevent fat build-up in the arteries.

Compared to coffee, tea has a third less caffeine and it’s been found that the caffeine in tea disperses more slowly through the body, explaining why people suffer caffeine jitters from coffee but rarely from tea.

Antioxidant compounds in tea defend the body against harmful free radicals that can cause cancer. It’s been suggested by researchers these antioxidants could have anti-ageing properties as well.

Study after study has shown that green tea can boost your body’s ability to burn fat, in turn helping you lose weight.