2,700 years before Christ’s birth, an ancient drink with numerous powers for improving one’s health was discovered. Some of these powers include boosting metabolism, lowering stress hormone levels, and helping prevent cancer. However, this powerful drink is no secret concoction: it is tea.

“It’s amazing how something as simple as drinking two to three cups of tea a day can bring about so many benefits,” said Mack Bruin,  a tea enthusiast and employee at the recently opened premium tea shop, Teavana, in Deer Park Mall.

Tea is not your typical beverage. Instead of calories and sugar, tea is loaded with natural ingredients that help improve bodily functions. Antioxidants in tea help protect the body from pollution and aging while phytochemicals increase bone strength.

Bruin, who drinks up to six cups of tea a day, utilizes his knowledge of tea to come up with his own at-home remedies.

“I drink different teas for different reasons,” Bruin said. “I have green tea with lemon when I’m sick, and I drink chamomile tea every night before bed because it calms you down.”

According to Bruin, tea is a powerful substance that can make a big impact on one’s health.

“I love tea,” Bri Klavins, junior, said. “It is a natural and peaceful thing for your body, and it makes me feel better knowing that I drank tea instead of a Coke or coffee.”

In comparison to soda and coffee, tea has a lower amount of caffeine that provides drinkers with a pick-me-up without causing indigestion, headaches, sleeplessness, or jitters. Tea also lacks high levels of sugar and chemicals and instead contains tannins and fluoride that aid in fighting plaque. Without milk or sweeteners, tea is also calorie free and hydrates while providing antioxidants. The benefits of drinking tea go on and on.

“People are always amazed at just how good tea is for you,” Bruin said. “Tea is a natural drink that doesn’t have to be sweetened and you can also have a lot of fun with tea because of all the different flavors.”

Tea comes in different flavors, as well as different strengths and forms depending on how the tea leaves are processed. Most of the tea that is sold in grocery stores comes in tea bags, unlike Teavana which sells only premium loose tea.

“I can never go back to drinking bagged tea,” Bruin said.                 

“Bagged tea is still good, but it’s mainly machine harvested tea leaves that are chopped and ground and reduced to dust. Maybe I’m a little spoiled because I’m always drinking great tea, but there is no comparison to tea bags and fresh, loose tea.”

Each different kind of tea also has unique qualities and capabilities.

“White tea is the most pure form of tea and is good for hydration and detoxification,” Bruin said. “Green tea is used for fighting cancer, boosting the immune system, and weight loss. Oolong tea is the tea that promotes healthy teeth, skin, metabolism and digestion, which is why at Chinese restaurants it is served after dinner. Black tea is good for your circulatory system, while Rooibos tea helps with allergies and other sicknesses.”

So where did this powerful drink come from? According to http://www.WTea.Com, tea was discovered in China and primarily used for medicinal reasons. With time, tea drinking evolved into a centerpiece activity in private homes and for social events. Tea ceremonies are used for many purposes, from expressing emotions to the participants at the tea ceremony as well as bringing people together. Many people view tea to be much more than just a drink.

“You can never go wrong with tea. I drink it every day, I have to have it,” Klavins said. “I really like tea because it can change your state of mind. I think it’s nice that it’s earth made and it’s a great natural remedy.”

Nate Grambo, senior, is also an advocate and appreciator of tea’s beneficial qualities.

“Every morning before I go to school, I drink tea,” Grambo said. “I despise coffee, so tea is a great replacement.”

Drinking tea every day can be a healthy habit to get into because of the benefits tea can provide. Drinking tea regularly can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, according to http://www.revolutiontea.com. Tea is also great for those who are suffering from any illnesses, since tea aids in fighting infections, increasing immune system activity, and helps with nasal decongestion.

“I usually have a stuffy nose, so the good ol’ smell of tea herbs and steam helps clear up my nasal passageways,” Grambo said.

The abundant advantages of tea drinking may just make you think twice about the next drink you put into your body, because according to Bruin: “tea is great because you can never have too much of it.”