Tea for a Complete Living - Health Benefits  
   
 
 

Business and speed of thought may be the order of the day but with it comes the stress of forever keeping the body going. Diets are the first casualty and the clock takes its tool. Tea should be drunk because it's healthy. As simple as that. Antioxidants or free radical scavengers from five or six cups of tea a day will go a long way in keeping your cholesterol level down, lessen chances of a heart or cancer attack. It's good for your eyes, teeth and plently else. In the earliest treatise on tea called Cha Chung Chinese scholar Lu Yu says, “ When

 
  feeling hot, thirsty, depressed, suffering from headache, eye ache, fatigue of the four limbs or pains in the joints, one should only drink four or five times a day. Tea tempers the spirit, harmonises the mind, dispels lassitude, relieves fatigue, awakens thought, prevents drowsiness and refreshes the body and mind.” The pre Confucian scholars were united in extolling the virtues of tea as a health drink over wine and water.  
     
  Tea has a lot going for it and if you are not a convert, it's time you become one. Tea is a healthy drink with a lot of style about it. It can well set the pace for the day and unlike carbonated drinks does not leave a damaging impact on your body. It's a pity over the years the youngsters in the family have been  
 
told that tea is not good for them. Now research shows findings quite to the contrary. The industry's aim is to make the younger generation aware of the fun potential of tea and break the staid and old fuddy dubby image of the beverage. One of the great aspects of tea is the rituals and stories associated with it. For instance tea is a perfect drink for all hours. It's light and refreshing and there is an element of style in the service of it. The whole process adds t the grace of the occasion.
 

 
  Tea and its healthy components  
     
 
As research into tea intensifies across the world, more and more scientists are reporting the benefits of drinking tea apart from the enjoyment and relaxation that every cup contains. The following provides a bird's eye view of constituents of the tender tealeaves that make it a unique tasty and healthy drink at the same time.

Flavonoids: These are substances that reduce high blood pressure and harmful cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
 

 
  Tannin: Adds flavour, astringency and punch to tea and has a soothing effect on the stomach helps prevent inflammation and nervous disorders.

Epigallocatechingallate: An organic compound effective in fighting viruses that causes common
cold and flu.

Saponins: These are substances that prevent fats from entering the blood stream.

Fluroide: A key element is promoting dental health, vital for healthy teeth and gums.

Thiamine: A key vitamin B that helps build concentration levels.

Caffeine: A mild stimulant found in tea

Vitamin C: This helps prevent gum infection and acts as a resistance builder.

Minerals: Tea contains crucial minerals such as Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese. 		 
 
Compounds in green and black teas have a healthful impact on several markers of heart disease risk, but debate continues as to which kind of tea is healthiest. Recent research suggests it may be a dead heat. In a study, green and black tea appeared equally protective against fatty arterial plaque buildup.