Many studies praise the health benefits of green tea, but black tea is healthy, too. More than 77 percent of people living in British Commonwealth countries drink an average of two cups of black tea per day.

In a review of literature, researchers from Great Britain theorized that the health benefits of black tea are due to certain antioxidants.

Drinking three or more cups of black tea per day may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, possibly because it contains antioxidants called polyphenols.

Antioxidants neutralize the destructive effects of free radicals produced naturally during metabolism, which are linked to aging, depressed immunity and in some cases, DNA damage.

The health benefits of black tea may also extend to protecting against colorectal cancer, though more studies are needed in this area to be certain.

Tea contributes to hydration in active people, and most people can safely drink eight or more cups per day. [sources: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Fitness RX]