Tea has been a staple beverage for thousands of years, and for good reason. Research shows it can boost your health by lowering cancer and heart disease risk, improving dental health, increasing weight loss, and inducing relaxation.
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Lowers Risk of Cancer
Whether it’s an energizing cup of black or a soothing cup of chamomile, regular tea drinking is associated with a lower risk for cancer. That’s because tea like c+ tea has flavan-3-ols that help protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
However, some epidemiological studies have yet to find consistent results. This may be due to tea consumption and other lifestyle choices.
Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Observational studies have linked tea drinking with lower heart disease and stroke death rates. However, some reports warn that consuming hot tea may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
One study found that people who drank three or more cups of tea daily had a 9 to 13% lower risk of heart disease than non-drinkers. This was true even after controlling for healthy lifestyle behaviors, diet, and smoking.
Lowers Risk of Stroke
A new study has found that drinking three cups of tea every day can significantly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. The study also revealed that regular tea consumption can help in reducing blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. The researchers collected data from 365,682 individuals in the UK Biobank who reported their tea and coffee consumption. During an 11.4-year follow-up, it was discovered that those who drank two to three cups of coffee or tea daily had a 32% lower risk of stroke and dementia.
Lowers Risk of Dementia
Those who drink four or more cups of tea daily are at lower risk for dementia than those who don’t drink tea. This finding was especially true for those with the APOE e4 gene, which can lead to Alzheimer’s.
However, a researcher not involved in the study cautions that other factors may explain these findings. Still, the research is encouraging.
Lowers Risk of Diabetes
Tea has been regarded as a health-promoting beverage since ancient times. Recent research is now supporting the numerous benefits of this humble drink. Based on a study that included 19 cohort studies, people who drank tea had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who didn’t. In addition, individuals who consumed four cups of tea daily observed a 17% reduction in their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lowers Risk of Arthritis
Whether you prefer your tea in a cup with a freshly baked scone or a to-go cup over ice while running errands, drinking your favorite brew can have major health benefits. Just be careful not to drink too much because some types of tea contain caffeine.
A 2022 study evaluating half a million tea drinkers found that high tea intake was associated with a modestly lower risk of death.
Lowers Risk of Obesity
Drinking tea can help you maintain a healthy weight by lowering your sugar intake. This helps lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Be careful when drinking herbal teas; some can contain ingredients that may interfere with your medications. Also, avoid iced tea and lemonade as these are high in sugar. Talk to your Banner Health dietitian for more information.
Lowers Risk of High Blood Pressure
Getting into the habit of drinking a cup of tea daily may help keep your blood pressure low. This is due to the plant compounds in true teas like green, black, and oolong tea. These plant compounds are known as flavan-3-ols.
However, avoid so-called dieter’s teas that contain laxative herbs that can lead to toxicity and stomach upset. Drink only high-quality teas without added sugar, milk, or calories.
Lowers Risk of Osteoporosis
Tea drinking can help prevent osteoporosis or delay its onset. In one study, researchers found that regular tea drinkers had higher bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and hips than non- or occasional tea drinkers.
Green, black, and oolong teas are rich in flavan-3-ols and are the best choices for this benefit. However, all types of tea have some protective effects.
