The benefits attributed to tea in recent years have helped boost its popularity worldwide, particularly in the United States. One beneficial quality contained in tea is caffeine. The caffeine in tea is less harmful than that found in coffee and produces different effects. It gently stimulates the nervous system improving concentration for an appreciable period. It may also have a positive effect on one’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as arteriosclerosis. It is also considered to be beneficial for three types of cholesterol. A number of other elements in tea can also help regulate the body’s processes and it is often used in Chinese herbal medicine. However, it is important to remember that Chinese medicine is preventative. It may not heal but it can help protect against certain diseases.