What you need to know: Green tea is one of most widely consumed beverages worldwide – and for good reason! Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols help to damage-proof the body, aiding to protect its cells from toxins, aging, disease and even cancer (it’s been shown to reduce the risk of skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal and bladder cancers). Green tea is also one of the best natural stimulants, containing caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. And yet ironically, it also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system. That’s why sipping on green tea is such a great alternative to other forms of caffeine such as coffee, soda and energy drinks: it gives you that energy you crave without the jitters you can’t stand.

Why you should try it: Green tea has been extensively researched, showing the ability to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of both heart disease and the inflammation associated with conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It may also be a powerful antidote to radiation exposure, improving the function of the thyroid and parathyroid. Need another reason to go green? Green tea has been proven to help balance blood sugar levels while also boosting the metabolism and helping burn fat. If your weight loss routine needs a boost, this might just do the trick.

Let’s get together: In order to reap the therapeutic benefits of green tea, try drinking up to three cups a day. Allow the tea to steep for five to seven minutes to bring out its polyphenols. Make sure to drink it freshly brewed, as the pre-bottled versions have lower levels of polyphenols. Hate the taste of tea? Try Green Tea ND by Premier Research Labs, a liquid green tea supplement. Just one half-teaspoon of this stuff is equal to the polyphenols in twenty two cups of green tea!