Now that the Christmas and New Year party scene is well and truly over, the last mince pie eaten and the decorations back in the cupboard until next year, its time to get fit and healthy for 2006. So put the gym bag away, pop the kettle on and put your feet up with a nice cup of tea. Tea has a whole host of health benefits and last year there was even a tea4health campaign backed by the Royal Society of Medicine to encourage people to drink more tea.

In Britain we drink on average 165 million cups of tea a day. Its an incredible number but most of us never try anything more adventurous than the average tea bag. There are actually estimated to be over 1500 varieties of teas, so theres plenty of choice out there. Our beginners guide will help give you some ideas of the different teas to try.

Green Tea - This actually comes from the same plant as the regular black tea most of us drink, however it is the processing that differentiates them. Green tea leaves are steamed rather than fermented and this is said to help them retain higher levels of antioxidants than regular black tea. It is this high antioxidant level that is believed to give green tea its many healthy benefits.

White Tea This is the most natural form of tea, made only from buds in their most tender form. There is no processing or fermentation involved. White tea is celebrated for its health and anti-ageing benefits (there are even skincare products made out of it).

Puerh Tea This tea hit the headlines recently in Now magazine when it was revealed that Victoria Beckham is a big fan and uses it to keep her weight in check. Puerh can help with weight control. It is an unusual tea with a strong brown colour and a distinctive liquorish flavour. Like a good wine, the older the better is the rule with Puerh.

Jasmine Tea Everybody has heard of Jasmine tea, but did you know it is simply tea that has been enriched with the fragrance of jasmine flowers? The flowers are piled next to the heaps of heat dried green tea leaves in order to enfuse it with their aroma and flavour. With its light, fresh taste this a delicious tea for any time.

So next time you fancy a nice cuppa, why not try something new? You never, know you may just like it and youll be doing your body a favour at the same time.

The fact is that Teas have been under scrutiny and recorded research for almost 3000 years and it has been the source of well being and actual therapy for almost a third of our planet. And it can indeed be a preventive way of avoiding further illnesses ... Traditional Medicine is all based on preventive approach as oppose to the Western way of trying to "cure" an illness through a local and short term view.

It may be simplistic, but to give up the old coffee and adopt the tea, will make you more healthy and you will eat, sleep and work better. No need of pharmacy or drugs, just the simple leaves produced by mother nature.

It's not an overnight solution but in a few weeks you will notice the diffrence.

Have a Great Year, in good health ... the Natural Way.