The health virtues of tea have been touted for thousands of years. Over the last few decades, scientific studies are proving that tea is good for you—and Longevité strongly agrees! Studies show that tea is an important source of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that protect the body from harmful free radicals and may protect against cancers, cardiovascular disease, skin disease, and premature aging. The flavonoids may be more effective antioxidants than vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.

Research also focuses on which teas—green, black, white, Pu-erh—are the healthiest. According to the Harvard Women's Health Watch, studies have found an association between consuming green tea (rich in a type of polyphenols called catechins) and a reduced risk for several cancers, including skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.

Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and improve artery function. Recent Chinese medical studies show a reduction in hypertension in regular consumers of oolong and green tea, as compared to people who don't drink tea.

Medical research on Pu-erh tea, from the Yunnan province in China, has confirmed its role in maintaining good health, demonstrating that the spiritual and magical observations of sages over the centuries are likely correct.

Health benefits can be increased by the way tea is brewed and consumed. Studies suggest that steeping tea for three to five minutes brings out the helpful catechins, and that adding lemon to tea helps the body absorb iron from fruits and vegetables.

Drinking three cups of freshly brewed tea a day helps the body absorb antioxidants and is the best way to reap the advantages of catechins and other flavinoids.