Tea is the 2nd most popular drink worldwide, after water, and it’s not hard to understand why. Whether it is green tea, black tea, oolong or some herbal blend, drinking tea really is an enjoyable part of life. Of course, the sheer enjoyment factor is only scratching the surface when it comes to the benefits of tea. Here are five reasons you should drink tea everyday:

1. Stress Relief – Obviously, the tea itself doesn’t contain any magical qualities that will dissolve your stress. But the process can become a great way to relax, rejuvenate and de-stress your entire body and mind. It’s in the act of brewing and drinking the tea that the real stress relief comes in. By now, everyone knows that stress can wreak havoc on every system in your body. Finding an effective stress relief outlet is very important, and drinking tea is perfect.

2. Prevent Inflammation – Tea has been shown to help prevent inflammation in the body. And inflammation has been shown to greatly increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and many other debilitating ailments. The results of a 10 year study done in the Netherlands showed that men who drank 3 cups of black tea per day decreased their chance of dying from heart disease by 50%.

3. Prevent Cancer – Much has been written and said about the cancer prevention properties of tea, especially green tea. It can get complicated, and opinions will vary, but the basic philosophy is pretty simple. Compounds known as free radicals can cause oxidative stress inside the body. Tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols that will destroy free radicals and thus lower your chances of getting cancer.

4) Your Smile – Tea is a natural source of fluoride, and contains calcium and magnesium which can help prevent cavities and build healthy bones and teeth. It also contains catechins, which will kill bacteria inside the mouth and help prevent bad breath.

5. The Taste! – With all of the wonderful benefits of drinking tea, perhaps the most important is its wonderful flavor. Nothing can quite compare with the taste of a perfectly brewed cup of tea. And with so many different varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you.

If you are a seasoned tea drinker or a complete newbie, keep all of these reasons to drink tea in mind the next time you brew a cup. There are reasons that this drink has been around for as long as it has. Take advantage of all it has to offer. Tea is a drink that brings the world to its senses each morning. However this refreshing drink has a lot more to offer than just to excite your senses. Tea offers many health benefits.