Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

If you are like most of the world, sometimes it can be hard to stomach drinking the recommended 68 fluid ounces of water a day.  Some people just can't seem to choke down a cold glass of H2O unless you're really thirsty.  And that is just fine; there's a solution.  Tea!

There are three basic types of tea: green, black, and oolong.  The only difference between these leaves is the way that they are processed.  Green tea is in the most natural tea-leaf state, containing the most antioxidants.  Black tea leaves are dried out further than green leaves, and because of the increased fermentation and oxidation, the color of the leaves darkens.  Similar to black tea leaves, oolong tea leaves are wilted in direct sunlight immediately after they are picked, immediately bruised with a good shake to get the juices flowing, dried out to begin the oxidation process, and then fired to prevent further fermentation.

So in short:

• Green tea - not fermented
• Oolong tea - partially fermented
• Black tea - fully fermented

So what does this mean and which one is the best one for me?

The more that the tea leaves are fermented, the lower the antioxidant properties that the tea leaves contain.  However, with an increased fermentation, comes an increased caffeine content. So if you're looking for that morning pick-me-up, fill your mug with a nice black tea, but if you're looking to reap more benefits from your kettle, then green tea will be your best bet.  But what exactly are the benefits of green tea?

Green tea

Green tea actually contains a very high dose of a very highly concentrated antioxidant, known as polyphenols.  These polyphenols are believed to pack a more antioxidant-ful punch than vitamin C; while these polyphenols might give it a bit of a bitter taste (which can actually be cut with a small amount of honey), the benefits of adding a bit of green tea to the water you're already trying to drink definitely outweigh the taste.  And hey! At least it has taste, right?

A small research group at the University of Maryland Medical School compiled an overview, summarizing all of the ways green tea and its antioxidants can improve health, overall wellness, and even help rehabilitate certain illnesses (for the full article, please click here), including:

• High cholesterol - Green tea can help lower total cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.  One study suggested that the polyphenols in green tea may assist in blocking cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine and help the body excrete cholesterol.
• Cancer - While researchers can't say for certain, it does appear that regularly drinking green tea can help reduce your risk of getting cancer, and once you have it, because of the polyphenol content, green tea may also help to reduce the rate at which your cancer cells multiply.
• Diabetes -  Green tea has traditionally been used to control blood sugar levels.  Several studies even suggest that green tea and its antioxidants may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes as well as slowing the progression of the disease once it has developed.  In some cases, green tea may even help regulate glucose in the body, a vital element for diabetics, who are often incapable of producing insulin, which helps convert glucose/sugar into energy.

Green tea is not recommended for children, however, it is recommended that adults consume 2-3 cups of green tea per day.  As always, there are a few minor risks associated with any change in diet, so feel free to consult with your primary physician if you have any concerns.

Looking for a great place to buy loose-leaf and bagged tea?  Look no further than right here.