The sun is at it’s peak and shows no sign of relenting and the mercury just shy of making an explosive escape from its glassy prison. Pockets of hot air in continual circulation doing nothing to lesser the swelter. The last few droplets of moisture from your bodies making their way down your temples. A glass of water and a cup of tea within, your grasp. Imagine yourself in this situation. What do you reckon is the ideal drink for you? (For all those of you who impulsively shot their hands in the air, and after an agitated fit of “choose me teacher”, answered water, you are, just as you were, if you may recall in your school days, incorrect again).

Recent studies show that tea not only replenishes lost water, it also throws something extra into the mix in the form of antioxidants. (For a generation obsessed with bonuses perks and extras, accepting this won't be all that difficult).

Tea contains flavanoids which essentially help cells recover faster from daily wear. The study published suggests that these flavanoids can reduce the risk of cancer, minimize the probability of heart attacks, while strengthening bones and teeth. (Quite the bonus hamper don’t your agree). For all those burning with anguish to inquire “well what about the fact that caffeine actually stimulates the body to lose water not gain it”, (yes an acceptable theory does not exist, no need to get feisty). The study suggests that the proportion of water lost, when compared with the proportion gained is almost negligible. (There, was that too hard to swallow?)

But to think of tea supplanting water as the primary thirst quencher is, if nothing else, premature. There are the undeniable questions of convenience, availability, portability and so forth. In situations where you find yourself wielding the liberty of choice. Surprise yourself. (Disclaimer: This study was not conducted by tea party activists and has no hidden political agendas attached to it).