"Tea is nothing other than this: Heat the water, prepare the tea and drink it with propriety. That is all you need to know."
- Sen Rikyu, 16th Century Oriental Tea Master

A new report has revealed evidence that strongly suggests that people who drink at least five cups of green tea daily could face a dramatically-reduced risk of dying from heart disease and from other natural causes.

Published in the Sept. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Japanese study, led by researcher Shinichi Kuriyama at Tohoku University , showcased the stunning results after Kuriyama's team followed more than 40,000 people for 11

years. The team found that those who consumed green tea regularly were 16% less likely to die of all causes and 26% less likely succumb to heart disease.

Women fared even better, with a 31% less chance of dying from heart disease and stroke. These findings are encouraging in light of previous studies that were inconclusive, especially in a research area that is hotly debated. The one clear message: Drink tea, and lots of it.

The naturally-occurring antioxidants found in green and black tea leaves are said to be the main reason for preventing so many of today's ills from wreaking havoc on drinkers' health.