A doctor of integrative medicine says drinking green tea can help reduce a person's risk of having a stroke.

Studies have shown green tea boosts immunity and cognitive function.

"I drink green tea because of its antioxidant benefits, especially from catechins like EGCG. Heart disease runs in my family so I'm always looking for ways to mitigate that risk." says Dr. Katie Takayasu.

She says data suggests that for women, drinking several cups of green tea can help prevent plaque build-up in the carotid arteries, which are located on each side of a person's neck. An ultrasound is needed to assess plaque formation.

"A lot of women don't get that area scanned unfortunately and it's often missed as a risk factor. The biggest concern would be that plaque can break off and then travel to the brain and would prevent blood flow to the brain, which would then result in a stroke," says Takayasu.

Research has found that a key compound in the tea plant called polyphenols are the main force behind its benefits. Green tea also provides people with a less caffeinated pick-me-up. Three green teas are equivalent to less than the caffeine in one cup of coffee.