UN Unilever NV

Research Proves Black Tea as Powerful as Green, Yet Consumers Don't Recognize Health Benefits ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation reveals that Americans overwhelmingly associate health benefits with green tea and overlook the health benefits of regular, black tea. Seventy-one percent identify hot green tea as a good source of antioxidants, while only 34 percent of respondents view regular hot tea as a good source of antioxidants. In fact, regular (black) and green tea have virtually the same amount of antioxidants. Additionally, 58 percent of those surveyed mistakenly identify herbal tea as a good source of antioxidants, when in fact herbal tea, unlike green and black tea, does not contain antioxidants. Although consumers surveyed identify the health benefits of hot tea, less recognize that many bottled iced teas and some powdered iced tea mixes also have antioxidants. Sixty-two percent of those surveyed believe that bottled iced teas come from artificial chemicals, and only five percent view powdered tea mixes as healthy. "This survey reveals that Americans do not realize that the health benefits of tea extend well beyond hot, green teas," said Patricia Zenobi, Unilever Marketing Director, Lipton US. "Lipton(R) black and green, hot and iced teas all come from the tea leaf, and contain the naturally protective benefits of antioxidants." Both black and green teas are derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The main difference is the processing method -- green tea leaves are dried immediately after picking and are not fully oxidized. Regionally, there are different methods to prevent oxidization. For instance, in Japan tea leaves are steamed and in China the leaves are pan fired directly after plucking. Black tea is partially dried, but then undergoes a full oxidation (also called fermentation). The health benefits gained from drinking black and green tea are comparable, both helping to promote health and well-being. "The decision to drink black or green tea," said Zenobi, "is simply a matter of taste. In fact many people prefer the taste of black tea. Now they can be assured that they also get the health benefits when drinking their favorite cup of tea." Black and green teas naturally contain protective antioxidants called flavonoids.* Despite consumer perceptions uncovered by the survey, green and black tea have virtually the same amount of flavonoid antioxidants. Flavonoid antioxidants are absorbed into the body after drinking tea, raising the antioxidant levels to protect the body from free radicals. Scientists believe that oxidative damage can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease. To help consumers make smart beverage choices, many Lipton(R) teas feature the AOX(TM) Seal, a proprietary mark that indicates substantial levels of antioxidants. Issued by the Unilever Health Institute, the Seal can be found on Lipton(R) black and green teas, including tea bags, New Green Tea Iced Tea Mix, New Lipton(R) To Go and most Lipton(R) ready-to-drink bottled iced teas (including New Lipton(R) Iced Tea and Lipton(R) Original Iced Tea). When consumers see the AOX(TM) Seal on specially marked packages, they can be assured of getting not only great tasting refreshment, but also the healthy benefits of real tea. About Lipton(R) Tea Only the best tea leaves go into Lipton(R) teas. In fact, working with a team of professionally trained tea tasters, Lipton(R) sources tea leaves from around the world and expertly blends them to ensure a premium tea experience. Hot or cold, black or green, Lipton(R) is the leader in tea offering a range of great tasting, healthy products for today's health-conscious consumer. Lipton(R) Black Tea: Served hot or iced Lipton(R) black tea is refreshing, delicious and naturally rich in protective flavonoid antioxidants. Lipton(R) offers 'cup size' tea bags for a hot cup of tea anytime and 'family size' teabags for the perfect pitcher. Lipton(R) Decaffeinated Black Tea: Unlike other decaffeinated black tea products, Lipton(R) Teas are decaffeinated in an all-natural way, with pure spring water and effervescence that gently washes caffeine away. The result is pure, clean tea flavor without any chemical residues. Lipton(R) Flavored Black Tea: Lipton's(R) Orange Pekoe and Pekoe cut black teas get a boost with natural flavors that inspire, entice and tempt you. So no matter what your "cup of tea," there's a flavored black tea with your name on it. Available in a variety of 100% natural flavors, including Orange & Spice, Blackberry, Honey & Lemon, Spiced Chain, Raspberry, French Vanilla and Mint. Lipton(R) Green Tea: The broad range of Lipton(R) green tea products are characterized by a delicate, clean taste, subtle aroma and a beautiful pale green color. Lipton(R) is the leader in green tea offerings and provides a wide range of flavors including 100% Natural, 100% Natural Decaf, Lemon Ginseng, Honey, Mixed Berry, Mint and Orange, Passion fruit & Jasmine. Lipton(R) Original Iced Tea: The only leading national bottled iced tea brand made with fresh-brewed tea, not from powders or concentrate. All sweetened Lipton(R) Original Iced Teas have been reformulated with an eight to 12 percent reduction in sugar and calories.** Lipton(R) Iced Tea: Great-tasting, New Lipton(R) Iced Tea contains naturally protective antioxidants. Refreshing and convenient, Lipton(R) Iced Tea is available in perfect take home size 12-pack (16.9 oz bottles) and 20ounce plastic bottles for single-serve. Lipton(R) To Go Iced Tea Sticks New Lipton(R) To Go is the perfect way for consumers to add the goodness and flavor of tea to their water -- anywhere! Available in convenient packets, just add the contents of the Lipton(R) To Go Stick to a 16.9-20-ounce bottle of water and shake well for iced tea anytime with no artificial flavors or sugar and zero calories per eight ounce serving. Lipton(R) To Go is the only nationally branded "on the go" mix with the protective health benefits of antioxidants. Lipton(R) Green Iced Tea Mix New Lipton(R) Green Iced Tea Mix, made from real Lipton(R) Green Tea, contains 80 mg of naturally protective antioxidants and has no artificial colors or additives. Visit Lipton.com to order Lipton(R) Teas online, or use the product locator to find a store that carries your favorite Lipton(R) products. At Lipton.com you can learn about the health benefits of tea and watch a demonstration of the power of the antioxidants found in Lipton(R) Teas. About the Survey This survey was sponsored by Lipton(R) in April 2005. Results are based on a telephone study conducted by Opinion Research Corporation among a national probability sample of 1,023 women and men ages 18 and older in the continental U.S. The study has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent. About Unilever Unilever (NYSE:ULNYSE:UN), one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Lipton(R), Knorr, Popsicle, Promise, Q- Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs more than 15,000 people in 74 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico - generating approximately $10 billion in sales in 2004. For more information visit http://www.unileverusa.com/ . * Drinking tea is not a substitute for fruits and vegetables **Extra Sweet is the only exception. DATASOURCE: Lipton(R) CONTACT: Kimberly Eberl of Ogilvy PR Worldwide, +1-312-397-6050, Web site: http://www.lipton.com/ http://www.unileverusa.com/

Copyright