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If one looks at the history of tea then he would find that in the beginning tea was used as a medicine. Even now, tea is considered to be a health drink. For example, green tea and black tea contains anti oxidants. Below is an excerpt from ICRA report on Indian tea industry:

Tea contains polyphenols (of which the most prominent components are flavonols, commonly known as catechins). Flavanols are regarded as the biologically active constituents of tea, constituting around 36% of the dry weight of tea. The main flavanols found in GT, and to a lesser extent in BT, are EGCG, EGC, ECG, and EC. EGCG and ECG have the highest antioxidant properties. Antioxidants reduce oxidative damage to cells and biochemicals. In general, GT shows stronger antioxidant activity than semifermented and BTs, mainly because of the manufacturing process.

Tea has less caffeine than coffee or cola. It helps to reduce fatigue.

In a study by Harvard University researcher it was found out that people who takes one or more than one cup of black tea had a lower risk of heart attack.

Tea also contains manganese and potassium. The former is good for bones and the later is good for heart.

Tea also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and calcium.

Researcher of National Center for Toxicological research in USA found that tea prevents the growth of tumor cells. They also found out that tea can help to fight cancer.

Tea also contains natural fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.

You can find numerous websites describing the positive health effects of tea. Here are some links:

http://icra.in/recentrel/Tea-200608.pdf

http://www.teaindustry.com/tea_health.htm

http://www.teatalk.com/index1.htm

http://www.teauction.com/home/teanhealth.asp

http://www.stashtea.com/health.htm

http://www.stashtea.com/beauty.htm