Tea lovers have a lot to cheer about. The medical community now acknowledges the positive effects tea imparts on health. Drinking tea can actually delay aging while adding years to your life and provide protection againsgt chronic diseases. Research has concluded that tea is an extraodinary chemical soup full of the antioxidants. Catechins and Quercetin, Tea intake helps the liver in the detoxification efforts and in cleansing the body of its free radicals which enter by way of eating wrong foods. There is more a cup of tea contains less than half the amount of caffeine present in a cup of coffee, in fact, tea has been used as a health drink in Asia for thousands of years.

Did you know that there are presently over 2000 varieties of tea available all over the world? And all of these originate from four major categories black ta, Oolong ta, Gren tea and white tea. Teas are classified according to their specific aromas, nutrients, minerals and health benefits. Basicallyall teas are derived from the same plant, Camellia Sinesls. The variations adapted during processing the harvest leaves is what lends different aromas to the teas. Top grade fine teas are produced by using just the top two leaves (which are the most aromatic) and the unopened leaf bud.

Green Tea - Popular in asian countries pikcing, the leaves of this tea are first spread in hot air (to make them soft and pliable) before they are rolled. By roling the leaves attain their characteristic style and this also regulates the release of the natural substances and flavour during the steeping. Next, these leaves are dried to stablilise their natural fragrances and flavoaurs. The leaves remain unoxidised - the aim during the production of green tea being the preseration of the healthy, natural and active substances of the fresh leaves which should be released into the cup at the time of infusion.

Research conducted in China and Japan (countries which have a high consumption of green tea) has revealed that green teas besides having numerous health benefits are high in nutrients and minerals. Regular green tea is packed with antioxidant properties it helps in fighting bacterial activity and in the prevention of cavities. The British Medical Journal has reported a Japanese study whereby it is proved that those who drank green tea had lower LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) levels while having higher HDL (high density lipoprotein good cholesterol) levels. the longer life spans of the Japanese and Chines could be attributed to their drinking green tea with their meals.

Black tea in terms of its rich antioxidant properties, black tea comes next. The most commonly used and the most popular tea in the West, black tea is originally green ta with the leaves further dried - this changes its colour and taste. Black tea tea undergone full oxidation and fermentation. The leaves thus tum black and receive their strong, typical flavour. The oxidation process is stopped once the aroma and flavour develops completely. The leaves are further crushed to various sizes, sorted out and stored according to their sizes. Black Tea is also beneficial in the prevention of cavities and in fighting bacterial activity.

Herb Teas - A variety by themselves, herb teas are completely different from the other teas. Not being teas in the true sense, these are simply fresh herbs containing medicinal propeties. By infusing a teaspoon of these fresh herbs like mint, tutlsi, ginger, jasmine (and many others) into hot water their medicinal properties seep into the water giving you the desired effect which could be laxative, curative, refreshing, sedative or antacid in nature. These teas are named as sleeping teas, slimming teas, deieters teas, cholesterol lowering teas etc, depending upon their specific medicinal effect.

Herb teas are available under different brand names according to their medicinal effects. For instance, there are herb teas which help relieve colds and congestion, stsore throat and a stuffy nose. Certain herb teas contain Ginseng which besides increasing the body's physical and mental strength, strengthen the immune system. Some herb teas are caffeine free and are used for relaxation and good sleep. The tea made from Jasmine flowers contains antioxidants and a fair amount of Vitamin C and soothes the digestive system.

Ginger tea which is made from the ginger root is pungent in taste and is used to provide wamth to the body. This tea also aids digestion and circulation, prevents nauses and is believed to provide relief from colds by drying up th mucus (Note : Not all of the above mentioned varieties of herb teas are available in India) Though herb teas do have a positive effect on health and well being, their health benefits are different from those derived from regular tea.

White Tea - Having health benefits similar to those of green tea, this variety of mid and unfermented tea is not too common in India. When infused in water, If obtains a pale yellow colour and a delicate flavour.

Health benefits of regular tea Evidence through researh now states that black and green tea both contain the antioxidants Vitamin C, Polyphenols and trace vitamins and minerals. These fight against free radicals thereby preventing cell destruction. Tea also contains some essential oils which develop during the production process. These lend most of the aromas and fragrances to teas. Green Teas have a rich Vitamin C content - 2 cups of green tea contain the equivalent of vitamin C present in a glass of orange juice.

Tea also contains potassium, niacin, folic acid, the mineral manganese and trace amount of the B - Vitamin, B1 and B2. The polyphenols identified in tea are primarily antioxidants which are also present in fruits and vegetables.

The drinking and alertness - Tests have confirmed that drinking tea - can improve concentration and alertness.

Tea and Cancer - The antioxidant properties of tea inhibit cell mutations and formation of cancer causing substances.

Tea increases immunity - The White blood corpuscles (WBC) are generally responsible for fighting any infection present in the body. Both polyphenols and Vitamin C which are present in green tea help to increase the WBC count thereby increasing, immunity to colds and diseases. Tea and Heart Research) suggestes that any diet rich in antioxidants is capable of stimulating circulation, strengthening the blood vessels and decreasing the cholessterol levels. Tea being rich in antioxidants can thus help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Tea and weight loss - Certain slimming teas are known to facilitate weight loss as these teas have an effect on the tissues and on the fats in the blood stream.

Tea aids digestion - The essential oils present in tea increases the flow of the digestive jices. This aids digestion. The most popularly known of this type of tea is the Chinese Tea which the Chinese usually drink along with or after their meals.

Tea helps to fight food poisioning in the digestive tract and the antibacterial properties of tea help fight against throat infection.

A home remedy - An infusion of green tea can disinfect cuts.

Tea and dental health - Tea is rich in fluorides - merial which helps strengthen bones and tooth enamel. Therefore tea drinking can also help fight Oesteoporosis. The polyphenols present in tea destroy the bacteria present in the mouth thereby preventing plaque formation.

To make tea - The best way to make tea to ensure maximum antiodixant benefit - Add tea powder to boiling water ( do not boil the tea) filter after three minutes and do not add milk or sugar. Tea should be sipped along with your meals.

To sum it up - By drinking 2-4 cups a day of tea, you can reap in the numerous curative and preventive health benefits which teta offers. We now have substancial evidence which indicates that tea drinking can lead to a healthier and longer life.