Drinking tea daily may be giving you a significant health boost, according to recent research.
A comprehensive review published in the scientific journal Beverage Plant Research highlights just how beneficial drinking tea can be for your long-term health.
The analysis, conducted by a team at the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, reviewed extensive data from both human studies and lab research to determine how tea consumption affects everything from your heart to your memory.
Green tea has been studied the most, as the study authors note that there’s less research on white, black and oolong tea.
Wide-ranging benefits of tea
According to the review, drinking tea — especially green tea — is linked to better heart health. Multiple studies have found that it may lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol.
The analysis links drinking tea to a lower risk of diabetes, certain types of cancer and obesity. That may be due to the catechins found in the beverage.
Catechins are natural compounds found in foods. They’re known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have found that green tea has more catechins than other types of tea.
Large-scale research also shows that regular tea drinkers are linked to having lower rates of cardiovascular disease and a reduced risk of dying early.
The review indicates that regular tea drinkers, particularly older adults, show slower rates of cognitive decline and fewer biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
On top of that, it might help preserve muscle strength as you age, aiding you in staying physically active longer.
How you drink it matters
The researchers warn that not all tea is created equal. To get the most health benefits, you should avoid processed teas, such as the bottled varieties or bubble teas. They’re often full of sugar, preservatives and artificial sweeteners that can cancel out the health benefits.
There are other potential downsides to consider.
Some tea bags can release microplastics into your brewed beverage. Contaminants and heavy metals might also be a concern depending on where and how the tea is grown.
Moderation is key, as drinking excessive amounts can lead to issues with caffeine or nutrient absorption.
How to drink the healthiest cup
To get the most bang for your buck, stick to freshly brewed tea. Loose leaf is often the best choice to avoid microplastics from bags.
Keep it simple and skip the sugar and cream.
For more on the health benefits of tea, check out “Coffee Isn’t the Only Drink That Could Ward Off Dementia.”
