Many of us Brits couldn't imagine starting the day without a steaming mug of tea in the morning and will look forward to a relaxing cuppa when we flop down on the sofa after work.
Therefore, it will most certainly come as good news that, not only is a good old brew comforting and refreshing, it is also good for your health.
"There are a number of benefits in tea and these are all backed up by tonnes and tonnes of peer-reviewed and published scientific papers," says Bill Gorman, executive chairman of the UK Tea Council. "The principle benefit is that tea, being a natural plant, is rich in antioxidants.
"Tea is probably the largest single source of antioxidants in the British diet on a daily basis."
Antioxidants, which are found in fruit and vegetables as well as drinks such as tea, are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes by clearing the arteries and destroying cell-damaging free radicals.
There is also some evidence that antioxidants in tea inhibit the growth of certain cancers, giving us even more reason to pop on the kettle, whip out the tea cosy and rustle up a brew.
"The other thing that tea does is help enormously with hydration," Mr Gorman adds. "There was a major study done two years ago by researchers from Fife and Reading that demonstrated that four cups of tea were exactly as hydrating as four cups of water."
The UK Tea Council estimates that there are currently about 1,500 to 1,600 different varieties of tea. So with such a range on offer, from Earl Grey and oolong to English Breakfast and black tea, Brits can have a bit of fun experimenting with different tastes and flavours while safe in the knowledge that they're doing their body a favour too.