We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site. Tea – does it really fight cancer? Lower cholesterol? We filter the research to find out which health claims actually hold water. By Kate Lowenstein The way scientific studies and health gurus alike have touted the perks of tea over the past few years, you’d think the stuff was some kind of all-powerful magical elixir. Improving heart health, reducing cancer risk, warding off dementia and diabetes – there’s barely a health benefit that hasn’t been credited to tea. It’s true that the brew has disease-fighting antioxidants, and, as far as anyone can tell, should be great for us. “The science is certainly promising,” says David L. Katz, MD, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center. “But the hype goes beyond it and

tends to make promises which the science can’t yet deliver.” (No, tea probably will not cure depression, eliminate allergies, or boost your fertility!) We talked to the experts and weighed the studies to separate the truth from the hype. Health.com: Drink This Tea to Lose That Belly Why tea is so hot First, a definition: When scientists talk about tea, they mean black, green, white, or oolong teas – all of which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal brews, like chamomile and peppermint, are not technically considered tea; they’re infusions of other plants with different nutritional characteristics. If you’re not sure what kind you’re drinking, check the ingredients for the word “tea.” Keep reading to learn even more about tea.

Excerpt from:
The Truth About the Health Benefits of Tea