Studies done on the health benefits of drinking tea attribute better physical and mental conditions and a  longer life to this daily ritual.  How and where we live, what we eat and drink and how our meals are prepared are also part of this healthy lifestyle.  The French call eating for our health Gastronomy, we should call it a "good habit".

The studies began by observing cultures who indulge in drinking tea as daily event.  According to studies 5 or more cups of plain tea each day can lead to lower amounts of stroke or heart disease.  The reason is that these small cups of tea contain antioxidants that help our bodies cleanse bad bacteria’s.

Health experts suggest that brewed teas are better than the process bottled teas, since most processed foods seem to remove the food's natural nutrients. The majority of studies have been about four teas; green, white, oolong and black. Each of these teas provide a variety of health benefits.

Characteristics of teas

• Green teas are energizers and are a light green color.  This tea originates from China and a common flavor added to green tea is jasmine which explains the flowery taste to the tea.
• Black tea is a roast tea, a great antioxidant and of course is dark in color.  Because of its color this is also a much stronger tasting tea, and perfect drinking alone or with cream and sugar. Earl Grey is a popular black and well known black tea.  Another black that is a favorite is the English breakfast tea.
• White teas are noted for a sweeter flavor and have a much lighter taste.  It's also the most expensive tea of the group to purchase. This tea is not processed like the others, so it has a stronger medicinal affect.  White tea extracts are effective at treating bacterial infections.
• Oolong tea is somewhere in the middle when it comes to fermentation.  It's noted as good for your digestion and your metabolism. 

Health Benefits of Teas

Tea drinkers have been found to be more alert because of the activation of the amino acid L-theanine, found almost exclusively in the tea plant.  It generates the brain’s networks affecting the neuro-transmitters that increase brain waves.  At the same time this amino acid assists the body’s immune system, so when infections appear, your body gets a boost of gamma delta T cells that help to dispose of disease.  Drinking tea helps with the production of anti-bacterial proteins making your immune system five times stronger than a normal immune system.

Daily drinking tea daily, causes a reduction of cortisol in the body, so when confronted with a challenge that causes stress, it will lower your body's hormones, allowing you to respond better, both mentally and physically.  Another health tip, tea polyphenols help to inhibit the growth of bacteria which causes bad breath.  Finally, tea consumption is associated with psychological distress and weight loss because it helps to lower the bad cholesterol.

Sources: Cardiovascular Health Study, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, American Society For Microbiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

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