Drinking tea has long been seen as a healthy choice, as the beverage contains antioxidants that have been shown to ward off disease.

A new study, conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center, suggests there could be a connection between consuming a moderate amount of tea each day and a lower risk of breast cancer.

Researchers say that in women under 50, drinking three cups of tea daily can cut their risk of breast cancer by up to 37 percent.

However, the scientists did not find any protective benefits among older women.

As part of the study, a team followed 5,000 women between the ages of 20 and 74 who had already developed breast cancer, as well as a control group.

A review of their medical histories and lifestyles revealed that tea-drinking could play a role in lower rates of this type of cancer.

The researchers suggested that younger women may want to consider drinking tea regularly.

“Given that tea is the most common beverage consumed in the world, it makes an attractive candidate for breast cancer prevention,” they said.

The benefits of green tea are also available in the form of herbal supplements.