Can you just see yourself, swing in a hammock on a lazy summer afternoon sipping a tall glass of iced tea?

Making your own tea is the way to go; it costs just pennies a glass and insures nutritional quality as well. For a refreshing and healthy glass of tea, start with green or black tea. Interestingly, both come from the same species of plant.

Traditionally speaking, green tea is steamed immediately after it is picked rather than allowing the leaves to ferment as is done in the processing of black tea. Black tea is more common and produces a flavor many find more pleasing, but both teas have a long list of nutritional features.

Researchers have learned that it is the polyphenols in green and black teas that act as antioxidants. As you know, these antioxidants counteract free radicals and prevent many diseases. In 1994, research by the National Cancer Institute and the Shanghai Cancer Institute found green tea cut esophageal cancer risk by 60% in men and women. Another study published in July 2001 in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry suggests green tea can lessen the risk of breast cancer.

Researchers have also learned that polyphenols act as antibiotics with remarkable antibacterial characteristics. Not surprisingly, green tea has been shown to enhance oral hygiene, with its polyphenols and more than a trace of fluoride (the mineral known for fighting cavities).

Both green and black teas have been credited with lowering cholesterol. Amazingly, the more you drink, the lower your cholesterol. Green and black teas contain vitamins C, B2, D, K and carotenoids. For additional nutritional value teas pack a multi-mineral punch, with calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper – just to name a few.