We are so used to having a refreshing cup of tea before heading off to work, during work or after getting back from work. Tea breaks are more like a ritual or custom that takes place religiously several times a day. This tea-break tradition has been happening since the past 200 years or so. Tea just happens to be a refreshing, wonder beverage for most of us. The day simply feels incomplete without a hot cup of tea. However, is tea good for you? We know tea contains some amounts of caffeine, so can tea prove to be deleterious? Let's find out! Is Tea Good for Your Health? In 2006, the papers were flooded with the news of research revealing that drinking 2 - 3 cups of tea a day is as beneficial as drinking water, with even some additional health benefits. Another report published in November 2009, stated that drinking up to eight cups of tea a day is good for you. The research conducted by nutrition expert Dr Carrie Ruxton, debunked the prevalent myths about caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and cocoa. According to Dr. Ruxton, the caffeine present in tea tends to lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, it also energized the drinker, making him or her more cheerful. Eight cups of tea contains approximately 400 mg of caffeine content and is tantamount to the optimum caffeine intake for an adult per day. She continued to say that consuming 8 cups of tea gives the drinkers 'the best levels of health-giving antioxidants and flavonoids' present in tea and other caffeinated drinks. Health Benefits of Tea If researchers are constantly stressing on the benefits of drinking tea, then there must be something really remarkable in tea. Let's find out. For Your Skin? Research has revealed that topical green tea formulations reduce Sun damage on the skin, by destroying the free radicals. It also reduces inflammation of the skin. Tea is also known to reduce sagging of the skin, especially baggy eyes. Applying soaked and squeezed tea bags onto the baggy and tired eyes help alleviate the condition. Freezing freshly brewed green tea in the ice cube tray and using them as a toner is also a good idea. For Your Bones? Research conducted by a team from the National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Tainan, Taiwan, revealed that regular consumption of tea helps preserve bone density in men and women. They backed this finding by the fact that the high fluoride content in green tea helps maintain bone density. Moreover, the other components like flavonoids and phytoestrogen present in the tea, also helps maintain bone density. According to these researchers, what matters is not the amount of tea consumed, but the number of years for which the person has been consuming tea. The positive effects of tea with respect to bones was seen in people who have been consuming tea for over a decade. For Your Teeth and Gums? Green tea is believed to enhance healthy teeth, gums and prevent tooth cavities. Consuming a cup of green tea everyday helps keep periodontal diseases at bay. This is because of the presence of an antioxidant called catechin in green tea. This antioxidant also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps maintain periodontal health and also wards off further disease. Moreover, black tea contains components that destroy harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, thereby reducing gum diseases and tooth decay. Tea consumption is also known to reduce the risk of cancer, prevent arthritis, prevent food poisoning, lower blood sugar and even reduce the chances of getting Parkinson's disease. Moreover, the flavonoids present in tea help prevent damage of arteries and cholesterol buildup, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks. Tea definitely is a wonder drink! No wonder, so many of us can't think of living without it.