Drinking eight cups of tea daily might sound a bit too much for some people, but health experts say the intake can help fight heart disease, improve brain power and also boost longevity.

Independent dietician Dr Carrie Ruston’s research on caffeine at King’s College, London, saw her review 47 published studies to reach the conclusion that caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee and cocoa have positive effects on mental function, increasing alertness, feelings of well-being and short-term memory.

Dr. Ruxton explained, "People who cut out caffeinated drinks may miss out on the potential health benefits of the compounds they contain". She added that there was "no need" for children to avoid tea and coffee and that it could be better for them than juice.

Dr Catherine Hood, from the Tea Advisory Panel, said that caffeinated drinks have been unfairly demonized. Dr. Hood agreed to Ruxton`s claims and said, "Black tea, in particular, contains polyphenols, which are natural plant antioxidants. These have beneficial effects on many biochemical processes in the body because they protect cells against harmful free radicals".