Tea has been a staple in British culture for centuries, with its popularity showing no signs of waning.
The UK Tea and Infusions Association reports that Britons consume approximately 100 million cups of tea daily[5], highlighting its integral role in our lives.
While many enjoy tea for its taste and comforting qualities, recent scientific studies have begun to uncover potential health benefits associated with regular tea consumption.
This article explores emerging research on how tea might contribute to overall well-being, focusing on three key areas: cognitive health, cardiovascular function, and the biology of ageing.
By examining studies from institutions such as the University of Newcastle and large-scale population research, we'll uncover the scientific evidence behind tea's potential health-promoting properties.
Exciting research from the Human Nutrition Research Centre at the University of Newcastle[1] has revealed promising news for tea drinkers, particularly those who enjoy green tea.
Dr Edward Okello and his team have been investigating the potential of green tea to reduce the risk of dementia.
Dr Okello's research focuses on the compounds found in green tea, particularly catechins and L-theanine. These compounds have shown potential in laboratory studies to inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. This effect is similar to that of drugs currently used to treat dementia.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of green tea on dementia risk in humans, these initial findings are encouraging for tea lovers.
Recent studies have shed light on tea's potential benefits for heart health.
In a seven year study[2], researchers following over 100,000 adults found that habitual tea drinkers (those who consumed tea three or more times a week) had a 20% lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and a 22% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke compared to non-habitual tea drinkers.
Furthermore, a 2022 study[3] with 5,000 adults in the UK, found that those who drank two or more cups of tea daily had a 9-13% lower risk of death from any cause compared to non-tea drinkers.
Interestingly, this association was seen even among those who added milk or sugar to their tea!
These findings suggest that regular tea consumption may play a role in supporting heart health and longevity.
A large-scale study involving participants from both China and the UK has shed light on tea's potential to slow down biological ageing. It revealed that changing from non-drinking to tea-drinking was associated with decreased biological age acceleration.
Even stronger associations were found in consistent tea drinkers. The researchers suggest that consuming around 3 cups of tea or 6–8 g of tea leaves per day may offer the most evident anti-ageing benefits.
The research[5] included 7,931 participants from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) Study and 5,998 participants from the UK Biobank (UKB).
This research highlights the potential role of tea in developing nutrition-oriented anti-ageing interventions and guiding healthy ageing policies.
These studies provide compelling evidence for tea's potential health benefits. From potentially reducing dementia risk to supporting heart health and slowing down biological ageing, tea seems to offer a range of positive effects.
As we in the UK continue to enjoy our daily 100 million cups, we can take comfort in knowing that our national tea habit might be doing more than just satisfying our taste buds.
As research continues, scientists may uncover even more reasons why the next cup of tea is not just a pleasure, but a potential key to our good health.
1. How much tea should I drink to get these health benefits?
The study on biological ageing suggests that around 3 cups of tea per day may offer the most evident benefits. However, individual tolerance may vary.
2. Does the type of tea matter?
While the biological ageing study didn't specify tea types, the research on dementia risk reduction focused specifically on green tea. Different types of tea may offer various benefits due to their unique compositions of compounds.
3. How does tea compare to coffee in terms of health benefits?
Both tea and coffee have shown various health benefits in recent studies. While they share some similar effects, such as potential cardiovascular benefits, they also have unique properties. Green tea, for instance, has been specifically studied for its potential effects on dementia risk.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
References:
Human Nutrition Research Centre, University of Newcastle. Lead researcher: Dr Edward Okello.
Tea consumption and attenuation of biological aging: a longitudinal analysis from two cohort studies." China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) Study and UK Biobank (UKB).
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2020. Study on tea consumption and cardiovascular disease risk.
UK Tea and Infusions Association - UK tea consumption statistics.
Heart, 2022. Study on tea consumption and mortality risk in the UK.
Tea vs. Coffee: Which Holds the Key to a Healthier, Longer Life?
A Glass of Milk a Day Cuts Cholesterol and Heart Disease Risk
Espresso: A Daily Habit That Might Ward Off Alzheimer's
