Honest Tea Rocks Obama's World

Word is out that President Barack Obama likes to drink tea. To be sure, Seth Goldman is delighted by this news. Why? Because he is the president and co-founder of Honest Tea, and it just so happens that organic Honest Tea is President Barack Obama's favorite bottled tea product. To be sure, sales of Honest Tea will pick up (under normal economic circumstances, they would soar) and that is not only good for Seth Goldman, but it's good for the health of Americans, as tea confers a number of health benefits.

Honest Tea

Honest Tea, which is based in Bethesda, Maryland, was founded 11 years ago by the aforementioned Seth Goldman and his partner Barry Nalebuff. They were inspired to create a drink that would not only taste great but would also be healthful and free of refined sugar. Currently, the company makes 20 varieties of tea (Black Forest Berry is the president's current favorite. It's an herbal fruit infusion of hibiscus, blackberry leaves, blueberries and raspberries.) Goldman discovered that Obama was a customer when, as a newly-elected senator, Obama's office called asking where he could buy Honest Tea.

Honest Tea and the Cult of Obama

President Obama is enormously popular right now and it seems that his every move is being documented by the media. His habits are being scrutinized, discussed and disseminated and the public is eating it up. Of course, this phenomenon is not unique to Obama. Most presidents enjoy a honeymoon period where both congress and the media treat them with an extra measure of deference and respect (this is usually short lived, however). And this is why news of Barack Obama's tea habit is beneficial ( it also may help to counteract reports that he hasn't quite given up smoking yet). The reason? Numerous studies show that tea imparts a number of health benefits. And, no doubt, Obama will inspire a lot of people to start drinking tea.

Honest Tea: The Health Benefits of Tea

Studies show that tea is good for the digestion and contains health-producing antioxidants. The antioxidants in green tea, for instance, are believed to be hundreds of times more effective than vitamins C and E are at protecting cells against damage linked to heart disease and cancer. In addition, researchers believe that brewed tea is an effective antibacterial agent and that it lowers blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Sources:

Is tea the new coffee? Ask Barack Obama, Los Angeles Times

Studies Suggest Heatlh Benefits of Tea, Healthlink