Once the center of political protest, tea continues to make headlines more than 200 years after the Boston Tea Party. Now more than ever, studies are showing that there is a real reason to get with your gal pals for a little tea time.

Andrea by Sadek Strawberry Tea Pot; $27.99 at Glory Bee Baking Company

Kingfisher Tea Pot; $55 at Glory Bee Baking Company

Andrea by Sadek Green and White Elephant Tea Pot; $21.99 at Gifts Galore

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Simply put, good tea tastes great. As more studies pour in confirming the health benefits that tea offers its fans, a new reason to drink tea has seeped into our heads: It?s good for you!

We owe it to ourselves to drink tea. The list is long, but some reasons to drink it include: it contains a number of antioxidants (which assist in preventing all kinds of cancer and cardiovascular diseases) and it has been proven to reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, promote digestion and reduce blood pressure. And those are just a few of the benefits!

The good news is, no matter which tea you prefer, they all offer positive results to your overall health. The most common forms of tea are black tea, oolong tea, white tea, green tea and, although not made with actual tea leaves, we'll throw herbal teas into the mix. While they are all good for you, green teas and herbal teas offer the most effective results.

Dr. Julian Deese, M.D., of East Texas Gastroenterology couldn't say enough good things about green tea.

"Four cups or glasses a day is the green tea way," he said. "You may consume it hot or iced, and flavor it with locally grown honey or lemon. Avoid sugar!"

He applauds green tea because it contains large amounts of catechins, which are compounds that boast many anticancer properties, and it has four times less caffeine than black tea. Evidence is also emerging that green tea works to a dieter's advantage, acting as an appetite suppressant.

Dr. Deese recommends Big Green Hojicha by The Republic of Tea. You can purchase these teas at Barron's in Longview.

Herbal teas are an increasingly popular type of tea. They are not traditional tea, because they don't contain any actual leaves, but are comprised only of herbs, flowers, spices and flavoring. Naturally caffeine free, these teas are known for their robust flavors and for providing specific health benefits. This info is by no means medical advice, so please consult your physician if you plan on using these teas for medicinal purposes.

As far as gadgets are concerned, tea preparation and drinking does not need to be a complicated process. At its simplest, the equipment needed is limited to a cute tea pot, a little strainer and a mug or cup that you enjoy.

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Here's a list of some favorite herbal teas:

- Chamomile tea soothes the stomach, calms the nerves, induces sleep, eases cold symptoms.

- Ginger tea improves circulation, relieves cold and flu symptoms, eases stomach cramps and nausea.

- Mint tea eases many stomach and digestive problems, helps relieve headaches.

- Rosemary tea improves circulation, stimulates the liver, eases joint pain, relieves cold symptoms.

- Sage tea calms the nerves, improves digestion, eases lung congestion and coughs.