Many of us relax at the end of a hard days work with a nice hot cup of tea. Some of us relieve the heat of a summer's day with a glass of ice cold tea. For many, tea conjures images of southern belles sipping tea and waving their fans. For others the ancient dynasties in China, geishas serving tea with elegance and ritual. Though it has been consumed for centuries, only recently have its true scientific benefits been discovered.

Hundreds of compounds called polyphenols can be found in tea. Basically polyphenols are very strong, very effective antioxidants, the best of these being found in tea. It also has the highest concentration of polyphenols. In fact, 30% of dry tea’s weight is made up of polyphenols. What do these powerful polyphenols do for us? Professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, Joe A Vinson,Ph.D, has been studying the effects of these polyphenols on blocked arteries. Blocked arteries occur over many years, caused by the build up of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that has oxidized and clings to arterial walls. As we all know blocked arteries can lead to heart attacks high blood pressure and stroke. Professor Vinton’s studies have found that the polyphenols found in tea are extremely effective in blocking cholesterol from oxidizing and fouling blood vessels. One of the polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate has been found to nuetralize up to five times as much LDL cholesterol as vitaminC, which has always been the most powerful antioxident. Another bonus of polyphenols is that they work in two places at once, both in the bloodstream and the artery walls. A Dutch study has found that men who drank 4 cups of black tea per day, lowered their chance of dying from heart disease by almost 58%. Another Dutch study showed that men who drank more than 5 cups of black tea per day lowered their chance of stroke by 69% compared to those who drank less tea.

Tea is also very helpful in the battle against cancer. Experiments conducted at the Case Western University School of Medicine by Hasan Muhktar Ph.D, have shown that tea can stop the growth of cancer in all stages, affecting growth and speed. In cases where a tumor has already formed, tea has been shown to shrink it. Green tea has been shown to be extremely beneficial to those suffering from skin cancer, having the same effectiveness whether consumed or applied topically. Dr. Muhktar’s studies have led him to believe that the polyphenols in tea can affect our DNA, by keeping it strong and healthy, making cells less likely to turn cancerous.

Tea has also been proven to help in the fight against cavities in several ways. The polyphenol tannin, found in tea, works as an antibiotic, soaking up the bacteria that promotes tooth decay. Also, tea contains fluoride, which is so effective in the fight against cavities that many towns add fluoride to their water supply. Four compound in tea-catechin, caffeine, tannin and tocopherol- has been proven to increase the resistance of tooth enamel against acids. In fact the regular consumption of tea is thought to make your teeth 98% impervious to the effects of acid.

To get the most out of your tea you must brew it for at least three minutes. This will give you the maximum amount of polyphenols. Tea bags are actually more beneficial than loose tea, the bag offering more surface for polyphenols to dissolve through. Any variety of tea is beneficial, but the most research has been done on black and green tea, both giving you satisfactory results. However, be aware that studies have shown that adding milk to your tea can block the anti oxidant benefits. Studies have shown, though, that drinking a few cups of tea, iced or hot, with a meal of fried or broiled meat can help block the formation of cancer causing chemicals released when meat is cooked.