Ongoing international research, while inconclusive, suggests a number of ways in which tea may do a body good. Tea is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Reasons to drink up:

Healthy teeth. Fluoride in tea leaves may help prevent tooth decay.

Heart health. People who consume three or more cups of tea a day have an 11 percent lower rate of heart attacks than those who drink less, according to a study presented to the American College of Cardiology. Other studies suggest that tea may also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and repair blood-vessel damage in heart patients.

Cancer prevention. Evidence of tea’s cancer-fighting ability, due to flavonoids (strong antioxidants), is scant but growing. Some studies have shown a link to a reduced risk of certain cancers — including stomach, colon, and lung — and a lower recurrence rate of breast cancer.