Indulging in a warm cup of tea may be the ultimate gift to your health. Whether you prefer a posh cup of tea with a scone, a refreshing iced tea on the go, or a cozy mug by the fire, drinking tea every day can be a game-changer for your overall well-being.

Tea is the second most popular beverage globally, with over two-thirds of the world population enjoying it, according to a review in the journal Nutrients. If you're one of the millions of tea lovers, wondering what benefits your daily brew offers, here's a scoop.

Tea comes in two types: true tea and herbal tea. The four true teas: green, black, oolong, and white tea are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Each tea has its unique flavor and health benefits, depending on how it's processed. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are not true teas but are made by steeping herbs, flowers, and other ingredients in water. Some herbal teas contain compounds that can offer health benefits, depending on the ingredients.

While tea doesn't offer much in the macronutrient department, it's abundant in a plant compound called flavan-3-ols, with green tea offering 319 milligrams and black tea 277 milligrams of flavan-3-ols per 8-ounce serving, according to a 2022 issue of Advances in Nutrition. True teas also feature L-theanine, an amino acid that helps people feel more alert, as stated in a 2021 review in Cureus.

Tea is a simple beverage to include in a healthy diet, and research shows it has unique health benefits for regular tea drinkers. Consumption of flavan-3-ols is associated with heart health benefits, including a reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, according to a study in Advances in Nutrition. Tea may also have a protective effect against some types of cancer, improve attention, support the immune system, and promote longevity, according to various studies. Plus, tea counts as fluid, so it can help you stay hydrated. So put the kettle on and drink to your health!