Drinking cups of tea can help prevent type-2 diabetes, according to a growing body of scientific research.

A new study from researchers in the US found that black tea inhibits the body from absorbing glucose sugars, too much of which can cause type-2 diabetes.

The researchers, who brewed the tea under laboratory conditions, said tea could help control diabetes in humans.

“Our findings suggest that black tea and black tea pomace has potential for carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme inhibition and this activity depends on high molecular weight phenolic compounds,” the authors of the paper wrote.

The research, which was conducted by researchers at Framingham State University in the United States, builds on work done by Japanese scientists two decades earlier.

A 1995 study from the Hokkaido Pharmaceutical University School of Pharmacy found that black tea has what scientists call “anti-hyperglycaemic effects”.

14 best afternoon teas Show all 14 1 /14 14 best afternoon teas 14 best afternoon teas The Goring, Belgravia, London The Goring scooped the latest Top London Afternoon Tea award by the UK Tea Guild (basically the Oscars of the tea world). The surroundings are elegant, the staff are friendly, efficient and knowledgeable and the menu consists of delicate sandwiches, homemade buttery scones, and numerous hand-crafted patisseries, all served with an amazing selection of carefully selected and perfectly brewed teas. From £42.50 per person www.thegoring.com/afternoonteamenu.aspx 14 best afternoon teas Betty’s, Imperial Room, Harrogate or Belmont Room, York Betty’s has been perfecting this most quintessentially English delight for over 95 years and they serve it with Yorkshire warmth and attention to detail inspired by their Swiss heritage. There is a real sense of occasion as the waiting staff bring the teapot and gleaming silver cake stand to the table, laden with extraordinarily tasty goodies, with the cafe pianist playing in the background. From £26.95 per person http://www.bettys.co.uk/bettys-cafe-tea-rooms/afternoon-tea 14 best afternoon teas Stoke Park, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire The views over the rural estate make the Stoke Park Afternoon Tea special from the moment you arrive. But despite the grand surroundings, there’s a relaxed atmosphere. The hand-made sandwiches, cakes and scones are to die for and there’s a Chocolate Afternoon Tea for those who really want to indulge. We also loved their Little Stars Afternoon Tea, which is available for children up to 12-years-old. From £27.50 per person (Little Stars Afternoon Tea £9.50) http://www.stokepark.com/luxury-5-star-hotel/restaurants-fine-dining/afternoon-tea.html 14 best afternoon teas The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, Wales This has a reputation for serving the best Afternoon Tea in Wales and it has awards to prove it. It’s served by the roaring fire in the cosy but elegant Wedgewood Room, where you can enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea with a choice of 40 different teas and a choice of three sparkling wines and champagne, available by the glass or bottle. From £21.80 per person www.angelabergavenny.com/dining 14 best afternoon teas Green House Hotel, Bournemouth There’s a strong ethos of sustainability here (fresh, first of season produce is sourced only within a 50 mile radius). Coupled with a real sense of passion and flair in the kitchen, the result is a unique Afternoon Tea which boasts an exhilarating range of textures, flavours and smells. Expect relaxed surroundings and friendly, can-do staff. From £18.50 per person http://www.thegreenhousehotel.co.uk/ 14 best afternoon teas Hotel du Vin, Birmingham At one time, this ornate Victorian red brick building was the Birmingham Eye Hospital, making it a distinctive location for the Hotel du Vin chain's largest hotel. Located in the newly revitalised Jewellery Quarter, the award winning bar is a relaxing haven from the hustle and bustle of the city and the Afternoon Tea is utterly divine. Opt for the G&T tea if you can. It’s quirky and delicious. From £15.50 per person https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/birmingham/bistro/ 14 best afternoon teas One Aldwych, Covent Garden, London This is the official hotel of the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and to celebrate the wit and wonder of the Roald Dahl classic, they’ve come up with a quirky and creative chocolate-themed Afternoon Tea that really is a feast for both the eyes and the mouth. Using the freshest seasonal ingredients – and of course an element of surprise – executive chef Dominic Teague’s sweet and savoury items are quite simply scrumdiddlyumptious. There’s even a smoking cocktail, which can be enjoyed as an alternative to champers. From £34.50 per person http://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea 14 best afternoon teas Hanbury Manor, Ware, Hertfordshire This is a really old-fashioned experience, in the nicest possible way. The wood panelled, baronial Oak Hall in this magnificent luxury hotel provides a traditional setting and a roaring fire and the menu consists of dainty sandwiches, pastries, cakes, scones, cream and preserves. Most people add a glass of champers – why wouldn’t you? – but it’s not compulsory. From £25 per person http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/stngs-hanbury-manor-marriott-hotel-and-country-club/ 14 best afternoon teas Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire Cliveden House is being refurbished bit by bit and the great hall is next on the list, providing a truly magnificent setting for this Cliveden’s highly popular Afternoon Tea. The three tiered selection includes fine finger sandwiches, warm scones, miniature cakes and pastries and the famous Cliveden fruit cake and Cliveden-blend tea. Add a nice kick with the Cliveden ’66 cocktail or opt for their chocolate-themed tea. You can also enjoy valet parking and a stroll around the National Trust gardens afterwards. From £35.00 per person http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/restaurant/afternoon-tea/afternoon_tea_menu_taittinger.aspx 14 best afternoon teas Great John Street, Manchester Afternoon Tea here begins with delicate finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, egg, chicken, cream cheese and cucumber, served with the pièce de resistance three tier stand with light, crusty scones and rich clotted cream accompanied by a variety of homemade cakes and pastries. The attentive staff will make sure you have as much coffee and tea as you like. From £21.50 per person http://www.eclectichotels.co.uk/great-john-street/special-offer-7.aspx 14 best afternoon teas The Grand, Brighton The renovated Victoria Lounge in this quintessentially British hotel provides the perfect surroundings for an unforgettable Afternoon Tea, overlooking Brighton’s famous seafront. Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea with exceptionally well made treats or try the savoury Seafood Afternoon Tea, including salted scones served with crème fraiche, chives and Keta caviar, treacle cured salmon, Poole Bay oysters, fresh crab and pickled shellfish and brown bread Gelato ice cream. From £22.95 per person http://www.grandbrighton.co.uk/d/grandbrighton/media/Grand_afternoon_tea_menu.pdf 14 best afternoon teas The Pump Room, Bath Staff have it just right at this restaurant. They make you feel special without being subservient. In fact, they are among the friendliest we came across in our afternoon tea reviews. The restaurant is beautifully laid out, right in the middle of this beautiful city, and the Pump Room trio or pianist plays daily, providing a lovely atmosphere. The tea itself is wonderful, with particularly tasty scones. From £21 per person http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/pump-room-restaurant 14 best afternoon teas Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh If you’re after the grandest afternoon tea in Edinburgh, and arguably all of Scotland, then look no further than the Balmoral’s Palm Court restaurant, a light and airy afternoon tea lounge in the heart of the hotel which is adorned by a Venetian chandelier and a glass dome ceiling. There’s an impressive selection of loose leaf teas, coffees and pastries and we love that it’s available as early as noon and that you get a departure gift. From £29 https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/restaurants-and-bars/palm-court/ 14 best afternoon teas The Landmark, Marylebone, London Built at the end of the 19th century, this hotel was created around a large central courtyard, allowing horse-drawn carriages to drop guests in the heart of the property. That courtyard, now covered with a glass roof, remains the beating heart of this five-star hotel, providing a gorgeous setting for Afternoon Tea. There’s a choice of traditional, with sandwiches, scones and pastries, or a chocolate theme and of course, a glass of bubbly if you wish. From £40 per person http://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/en/marylebone-bar-restaurant/atrium-afternoon-tea

The study found that rats had “significantly” reduced levels of blood glocuse and that black tea could both prevent and cure rats with diabetes.

“The study reveals that, like green tea, black tea also possesses antidiabetic activity,” the researchers found.

According to NHS statistics there are approximately 3.1 million adults with diabetes in the UK, with the number expected to rise of 4.6 million by 2030.

90 per cent of those suffering from the condition have type 2 diabetes, which is affect by black tea consumption.

Health officials say the increased level in type 2 diabetes is due to increasing level of obesity, a lack of exercise and unhealthy diets.