How do you prepare your tea? The traditional cuppa brewed in a pot is healthier than one from a dunked tea bag, research reveals. Phytonutrients found in black tea and green tea peak when it has been brewed for at least five minutes, the study found.

The study conducted in Aberdeen evaluated the levels of phytonutrients (cancer fighting chemicals) known as polyphenols, in the blood of male volunteers who drank black tea left in a pot for up to 10 minutes. The researchers found that 60 percent more of the phytonutrients were present when tea was brewed for five minutes compared to one minute. This dropped to 30 percent for a three-minute brew.

This is important because there have been numerous studies (read the book “Eat to Win” by Robert Haas or “Spontaneous Healing by Dr. Andrew Weil) on the benefits of consuming tea on a regular basis, such as reducing your chances for heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer. Drinking just 2 cups a day of black tea (oolong tea) or green tea will do the trick.

Another significant benefit of tea, especially green tea, is that it’s a natural fat burner. Just drink a cup an hour or so before your workout. It will give you a slight jolt of caffeine for your workout without any side effects. It’s also way more cheaper than the “hyped up magical fat burning pills” advertised in all of the fitness magazines.

Remember, infusion time certainly makes a difference in preparing tea.