It is in almost every culture, and has found its way into billions of cups around the world.

It makes a great companion when you're feeling sick, and offers a lifetime of drinking enjoyment.

So, how are you preparing it? Is it loose leaf style, or are you simply dunking a bag and getting what you think tea really offers? If it is the latter, then this read may prove insightful.

Loose leaf tea is without a doubt the best way to enjoy tea...and for several reasons. Five of which we will explore below.

1) Greater Health Benefits

Since loose tea consists of larger leaves it keeps more of its powerful catechin antioxidants and plentiful plant polyphenols. What does that mean?

You get more of the goodies that tea is noted for, health benefits! Tea can help prevent certain cancers, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, aid in weight loss, and boost the immune system. Tea brewed by the bag contains fewer of these properties.

Loose tea will always give you a healthier cup, and for best results, it is recommended the leaves are brewed within the first year...6 to 8 months preferred.

2) Better Aroma And Flavor

Loose tea has more surface area than the "tea dust" (fannings) that go into bags. The larger the leaves, the more natural oils you get to steep out of them, and this of course means great flavor, along with a pleasant scent!

Loose leaf will have a nice fresh and clean taste, and depending on the variety may taste sweet, floral, vegetal, malty, or earthy along with many other distinct nuances. Bagged tea will almost always taste bitter, old, stale, fuzzy, and muddy, and will leave you with a funny aroma that doesn't promise much. Bags will add a color to your cup, but not much after that!

3) More Varieties To Explore

Another thing tea bag consumers suffer from is a lack of variety. Folks will always be limited to what is offered on the supermarket shelves, and while that may look like a lot, you'll find yourself going through them pretty fast, as well as finding many you do not fancy due to the number two reason mentioned above.

Tea in general is broken into four main types, white, green, oolong, and black. Each main classification yields hundreds of varieties since many cultures around the world cultivate and process them. Also realize that a large portion of these varieties are sold in loose form, so that means there is always a new kind to look forward to.

This is often one of the biggest pleasures a true tea drinker enjoys!

4) Loose Equals Freshness

A big advantage loose leaf has over bagged tea is the age factor. In order for tea to have a good quality, it must be young and fresh. Did you ever wonder how old those bags are? If I told you they can sometimes be over 18 months overdue, would that surprise you?

As mentioned, it is recommended that all tea is enjoyed within the first 6 to 8 months of the flush. Even loose leaf can go bad so it is important that you get steeping after your purchase and avoid letting it linger.

5) Makes A Unique Gift

This is a different reason that sometimes slips past the cracks!

Did you ever buy a tea gift basket for someone? Maybe you got lucky and loose leaf tea was included, but if not, I doubt you every got feedback on how great the bagged stuff was.

It is no doubt that everyone welcomes gourmet food as a present! Loose tea will always impress guests when served, or make a friend or family member feel special when received as a gift. Adding in a couple of sample packs along with an infuser is perfect for making it that much more special.

They may even become addicted and start a great new habit that is actually good for them!

Well, there you have it, five great reasons to ditch those bags. They are not too expensive and remain wallet/purse friendly. So the next time you're dunking a bag in your mug, remember this article, and introduce yourself to the true side of tea!