Centuries ago, before tea began to be enjoyed as a beverage, it was considered a medicine. And in recent years, research suggests that early reputation might have been well-deserved. Tea is being studied to determine its cancer-preventing properties, its benefits to heart patients, and its effects as an antioxidant. It even turns out tea contains fluoride, so it helps prevent tooth-decay (although it can't be said to do much in the whitening-and-brightening department). Take a look at the article "Tea, for the Health of It" from a Kansas State University newsletter, as well as USA Today's report that tea may help prevent esophageal cancer.