Every schoolchild learns the story of the Boston Tea Party and how American colonists disguised as Indians dumped ship-loads of tea into the sea to protest British oppression. Little did our colonial forebears realize that drinking tea contributes to another sort of indepen-dence: the freedom of enjoying good health.

According to recent research, tea—the world’s second-most consumed beverage after water—may provide protection from a host of diseases. It is believed that plant compounds called flavinoids that are found in tea act as antioxi-dants, preventing free radical damage to the body. Among its many health benefits, tea is thought to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, help prevent certain types of cancer, contribute to oral and bone health, and boost the immune system. Studies indicate both black and green teas have similar health benefits.

Tea is made in four styles: black, green, oolong, and white. They all come from the same evergreen shrub—Camellia sinensis—and their characteristic colors and flavors result from the particular method used during drying and aging. Black tea, aged the longest, is hearty and holds up well to milk and sugar. Green tea, aged less, has a delicate flavor that can stand alone or is delicious with honey. Oolong’s flavor falls between that of green and black. White tea, from the young growing tip of the leaf, is the least aged and rarest of all the teas. It has a mellow, slightly sweet flavor.

Now it’s time to relax with a perfect cup tea. Preheat a teapot or cup by filling it with hot water and letting it stand for a minute. Bring a tea kettle of fresh, cold water to a rolling boil and immediately pour over tea leaves or a tea bag. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes and then remove the leaves or bag. Serve with milk and sugar or lemon and honey. (Milk and lemon juice are not used together because the lemon would cause the milk to curdle.)

After the Boston Tea Party and independence, Americans embraced tea drinking. Iced tea was introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, and the tea bag was invented in 1908 by New York’s Thomas Sullivan.

Start your own revolution, and enjoy a cup of tea today!