Is a cup of green tea a positive step toward living a long, healthy life? The answer is a resounding yes, according to a new study from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. The research team found that adults who drank at least five cups of the brew daily demonstrated a lower cardiovascular risk than those who drank less than one cup a day, and deaths from cardiovascular disease were 26 percent lower for tea drinkers vs. those who didn't consume tea.

Previous studies suggested that green tea helps protect against illness, but most of the investigations involved studying animals.

Experts believe that natural compounds called polyphenols have strong antioxidant properties that may help prevent heart disease.

"I personally drink green tea, two or three cups per day," said lead researcher Dr. Shinichi Kuriyama. "On the basis of our study results. I would like to recommend the drinking of at least one cup of green tea per day."