Recent studies confirm what tea drinkers in Asia have known for centuries: tea is good for you. In fact, tea is so full of antioxidants—the ones that reduce the oxidation reactions in the body associated with aging and other disease processes—that we should be gulping it down.

The benefits of tea can be realized by consuming three cups a day, which is the historical average for most Asian tea drinkers and the base line for many recent studies. Check out the benefits of drinking tea:

• promotes healthy cholesterol levels

• increases metabolism

• improves mental performance

• inhibits plaque buildup on teeth (green tea, that is)

• helps the body deal with stress (green tea again)

When making tea, pour the water over the tea and steep according to these guidelines:

• White and Green Tea: Use boiling water that has cooled for a couple of minutes (to about 185°F) and steep for 2 to 4 minutes.

• Oolong Tea: Use boiling water that has cooled for 1 minute (to about 195°F) and steep 3 to 5 minutes.

• Black Tea: Use boiling water that has cooled just enough to lose its boil and steep 3 to 5 minutes.

• Herbal Tea: Use boiling water and steep 3 to 5 minutes.

Loose-leaf tea will keep for several months or longer if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid glass or plastic containers if possible and do not refrigerate or freeze tea. Tea that’s old or mishandled will lose its briskness and aroma and color.

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