Tea is an antioxidant-rich beverage containing more polyphenols than many fruits and vegetables. Besides being rich in compounds that combat cell-damaging oxidative stress, tea has a chemical makeup that includes enzymes, carbohydrates, protein and lipids.

Oxidative stress is a molecular imbalance that interferes with the body's ability to detoxify harmful compounds leading to cellular damage and is associated with chronic health problems such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, dementia and even cancer.

Packed with compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress, tea has emerged as a natural dietary aid to lower the risk of these ailments. Research indicates that tea strengthens the body's immune system, reduces buildup of plaque on arterial walls and aids in the control and prevention of diabetes.

Coffee consumption helps to lower cardiovascular risks, as well as lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 50 percent.

Coffee also appears to have a positive effect on neurological diseases with coffee consumption possibly reducing the risk of both Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Whether it's whole, low-fat or chocolate, milk benefits nutrition, bone density, weight loss, muscle-building and more.

When it's consumed after resistance training, both unflavored and chocolate-flavored versions of reduced-fat milk, improve muscle development, enhance strength and increase fat loss.

--From the Editors at Netscape