Here's a wonder drink that peps you up without being intoxicated, revitalises your mind without chemical stimulants and cures ailments without drugs. After reviewing more than 500 references on traditional medicine and tea sciences, 61 kinds of protective action and 20 kinds of medical effectiveness of tea have been recorded.

Not only is tea a wholesome beverage, it also has a quieting effect on the digestive and nervous systems. Tea reduces intemperance, provides cerebration and stimulates the spine, the stomach and the intestine. It is also said to enhance memory, relieve fatigue and restore mental equilibrium. Some recent findings about the constituents of tea make it a marketing man's dream. His new slogan might well be : A cup full of tea a day, Keeps the doctor away.

Mentioned below are some of the beneficial actions of tea.

Catechines in tea lower triglyceride and cholesterol in blood, prevent atherosclerosis, reduce the incidence of cancer and oxidation by active oxygen, inhibit rise of blood sugar, lower chances of mutations, kill dental caries and influenza virus, have anti-amoebic and anti-bacterial properties and prevent halitosis.

Caffeine acts as a diuretic and CNS stimulant, and provides relief from neuralgia and headaches. Apart from this, tea has anti-oxidant effect. A new anti-coagulating compound has been obtained from tea leaves and tea extracts are used to scavenge ascorbyl radical intensity.

Dr. John Weisburger, Director Emeritus, American Health Foundation says

Current research shows tea contains specific antioxidants & health promoting ingredients, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke & certain types of cancer like oral, pancreatic and prostrate.

In addition to Dr. Weisburgers observations, over a 100 scientific research papers produced over the last decade shows that Tea provides immense health benefits.

All of us know that Tea has always been a rejuvenating, relaxing, natural and healthy beverage, known to have therapeutic benefits which were utilised even in the ancient ages, to treat common ailments.

Today, Tea forms an integral part of the modern healthy lifestyle, which comprises a balanced diet, combined with a regular exercise routine. Read on to find out how Tea helps you lead a healthier life.

Antioxidants ..... the Wealth of Health
Extensive research & studies have revealed that Tea is one of the richest sources of Antioxidants. These Antioxidants, as scientists agree, are found in Tea in the form of Polyphenols.

Antioxidants are compounds that help the body detoxify harmful excess free radicals. These free radicals are molecules, which occur naturally in the body. However, excess amounts (caused by excessive sunlight exposure, pollution, smoking, etc.) have been associated with an increased risk of major diseases.

Antioxidants have the ability to combat their adverse effects by neutralizing their production and thus protecting cells from the normal, but damaging physiological process known as oxidative stress.

There is scientific evidence to prove that Antioxidants promote heart health, prevent Cancer, help combat and guard against most disease like Diabetes, Blood pressure, Tumor, Ulceration, Inflamation, Intestinal problems, Dental decay and a lot more.

Tea, Fruits & Vegetables are known to be the richest sources of Antioxidants, where Tea tops the list in its richness.

Antioxidants activity produced in Tea is greater than 22 fruits and vegetables. Some of the examples are given below :

Ref : ACao G, Sofic E, Prior RL (1996) : Antioxidant capacity of Tea & Common Vegetables, J. Agric Food Chem, Vol 44 , No. 11.3427

All varieties of Tea come from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Different methods of processing result in the formation of different colours of Tea i.e. Black and Green. Research shows that all the health benefits are same in both kinds of Tea.

A Healthy Heart with Tea
Flavonoids in Tea prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Tea prevents Cancer
Polyphenolic Antioxidants in Tea lower the risk of different types of Cancer(lung, fore-stomach, esophagus, duodenum, pancreas, liver, breast and colon)

Steer clear of Common Ailments
Calcium in your daily cup of Tea help develop stong muscles. Antioxidants in Tea help prevent chornic ailments like Gastric ulcer, Blood sugar, Blood pressure, Tumors and intestinal problems.

Good for oral health
As tea is tooth-friendly, it protects the teeth from caries thereby preventing tooth decay. Theaflavins in Tea play a prominent role in the inhibition of Plaque-formation.

Keeping the immense health benefits in mind, one must resolve to consume much more Tea than what one has consumed in the past.

In fact, Dr. Weisburger has suggested an intake of up to 10 cups of Tea per day, which may be a useful dietary habit. Tea can be prepared with or without milk & sugar as per one's taste.

So make it a point to drink more Tea because it is the mantra to your fitness, well-being and good health.