huh? How does Tobasco use (and results) parallel tobacco use (and results)?
That's what I wanted to ask. Even though I don't really use Tabasco myself (and don't use tobacco at all).
As for tea, as far as I know, it is one of the healthiest things around. Just ask the Chinese. And the Russian. And many other nationalities. And some doctors agree, too.
And you will have to work really hard to prove to me that moderate amounts of coffee and alcohol at an appropriate time of day and week is bad for you. Like a glass of wine with a slow, relaxing weekend dinner (red wine is said to be especially beneficial, but I also like blush and white), or a cup of coffee with or without milk at the beginning of your work day.
I don't live on coffee, but I need my one big cup at my desk as a starter of my work day. Of course, getting enough sleep might be a good substitute, but for a full-time working, one-hour-each-way commuting mother, it's not really an option.
And for those wanting to "improve my health" I keep a newspaper clipping about health benefits (yes!) of coffee at my desk, along with another one, about not-so-healthy effects of soy.