Why Tea is Better

(Warning: The following is totally off the cuff, no offense is intended)

Everybody in the world, it seems, drinks coffee. Even my wife. I used to drink it, but now sparingly. I used to think coffee was great, that it was cool, that it somehow tasted good.

Then, a few years ago, i had a formal introduction to hot tea. And now, here's my definitive list of why tea beats coffee in every category.

1. Variety: tea can come in an infinite number of flavors, each as unique as the next. There are herbal teas, green teas, red teas, black teas, white teas, fruit teas, etc. No matter who you are, there's a flavor for you

2. Flavor: Simply put, tea tastes good. And it leaves no nasty aftertaste. No bad breath.

3. Teeth stain: Some teas can stain your teeth. But not like coffee. So nasty

4. Caffeine: Most tea has 1/4 to 1/3 the caffeine of coffee. I am sorry, but if you rely on coffee to get you through your day, you're not getting enough sleep and playing hell with your body. You need to take time to relax and rethink life. It's true, tea drinkers are happier people; they've got their priorities straight. And if you need to write that occasional all night paper, drink a soda. Your breath will be better at 4 am (marginally) , and soda tastes better anyway.

5. Health: Many teas, especially, green, white, and red, have powerful anti-oxidants and many other vitamins & minerals that can prevent cancer and promote a long, healthy life. Coffee, well, it's not really that bad for you, but not that great either. Some types of brews have been linked to prostate cancer. Besides, that goes back to number 4.

In short, coffee sucks
tea rocks.

My recommendations

Madagascar Red Vanilla: This Celestial Seasoning brand is made from an african seed and is the best tea of all, in my opinion.

White with honeysuckle or pear: many different brands make white tea, but pick one with one of these light sweetening flavors. It's great in the morning.

Mango Black: a great tropical classic, for those summer days and evenings.

- James