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We're not just talking about tea and crumpets anymore. The recent rise in "Red Hatter" clubs, tea houses and all new tea bars like Cambridge's growing TeaLuxe franchise has set the world tea market on fire. For the first time, people across the United States can enjoy quality loose leaf teas and their potential health benefits at reasonable prices.

According to a 1999 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "when compared to a placebo and caffeine, green tea extract consumption produced a significant 4% increase in 24-hour energy expenditure. If you consume 2,000 calories per day and don't gain or lose weight (you're in energy balance), an increase of 4% would translate roughly into an 80-calorie daily difference. Over a year, this could result in 89 pounds of weight loss." Thanks to online tea merchants like , this new trend of going green (tea that is) is able to help people tap into this, and other potential benefits.

What you may feel safe purchasing from a grocery store shelf or your local latte stand may not contain the key ingredients of green tea you are looking for. Most mass production tea is made with lower quality tea. "If you are going to fuel your body, do it with the best possible tea products," explains founder, Rachel Johnston. "The bottom line is your body will thank you in the long run."

The tea line includes green, white, black, flavored, rooibos herbal, fruit teas, as well as many organic and fair trade teas. Their Tea Starter Pack includes all the beginning essentials for brewing loose leaf teas in a snap.

Rachel states: "It was really important to us that we not only offer products that enhance well being through teas and scents, but that we made them to fit a variety of budgets and needs of a wide consumer base. We are so thrilled that so many people are able to explore the world of fine teas and scents in a friendly environment. Where they can ask questions and learn more about the balance of mind, body and spirit."

When asked whether the huge expansion of teas and now the advent of the Green Tea FrappuccinoŽ by coffee megalith Starbucks makes her nervous, Johnston responded, "As far as we're concerned, the more awareness of tea and the benefits it can offer, the better for the market place at large. We are interested in educating consumers as well as providing quality teas and scents."