Instructions: The big news with tea (from tea leaves, not herbs) is that it contains

"catechins" which lower cholesterol, improve lipid metabolism, and have anticancer and antibacterial effect. While the dosage for maximum health benefits are not yet known, it is generally believed that a cup or two a day belong in a healthy diet. (In the Orient, at least 4 cups are consumed a day.)

Green tea is also reported to help prevent plaque, so swish it around from time to time. (Black tea will stain your teeth, so dont this with it.)

Also, any beverage consumed too hot puts you at risk for mouth and throat cancers.

See here for more on the healthfulness of tea:

There are basically three forms of tea: green, oolong, and black. All three are made from tea leaves whose flavor varies largely based on where they are grown.

Green tea (often called "Japanese tea") leaves are simply dried. Black tea is naturally fermented green leaves; the fermentation changes the flavor, aroma, and color. Oolong tea (also known as "Chinese tea") is midway between green and black; that is, it is partially fermented.

Some of the catechins are lost in fermentation, but even black tea has health benefits. Many teas are blended from different tea leaves, spices, and herbs to create different flavors. Earl Grey is a blend of black tea leaves and orange peel oil (bergamot) - so, yes, it counts!

As for caffeine: yes, tea does contain some caffeine, but compared to coffee, it is minimal, and tea is much less acidic than coffee. Im very sensitive to caffeine, but teas dont bother me.

1 cup green tea: 30 mg caffeine
1 cup black tea: 40 mg caffeine
1 cup drip coffee: over 100 mg caffeine

Decaffeinated teas are available, but make sure the caffeine was removed via the water process, which supposedly will retain about 95% of the antioxidants. The solvent process of decaffeination eliminates the health benefits of tea.

One study indicated that adding dairy milk to tea blocks the antioxidant effect, so it was recommended that until more is known, that you dont add milk to tea. Being of English background, I have to have milk in my black tea, so I use soy milk. :-)

Theres a huge variety of herbal teas, but they do not have catechins. The benefit of herbal teas varies based on which herbs are used. Some herbal teas are consumed just for pleasure, while others are tonics.)

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