A cuppa healthier than water
Scientists have discovered that the cup that cheers can not only reduce the risk of heart attacks, but can be a healthy and less expensive alternative to drinking bottled water.
The nutritional experts have found “clear evidence” that drinking at least three cups of tea a day reduced the risk of coronary heart disease.
The study, published in latest issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, also found that tea rehydrates just as well as water and should be regarded as a healthy drink.
“Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it has got two things going for it,” she said.
Dr Ruxton said that while studies on caffeine found that very high doses dehydrate, everyone assumed that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate.
Nutritionists involved in the study also found that moderate caffeine intake appeared to improve mental performance.
Research suggesting that tea protected against cancer was less clear, however.
Experts believe it is the flavonoids in black tea that have a positive impact on health.
Flavonoids are polyphenol antioxidants that are found in many foods and plants, including tea leaves and have been shown to help prevent cell damage.
The nutritionists who looked at published studies on the health effects of tea consumption found there was also moderate evidence to suggest that tea also had a positive effect on bone mineral density.
And there was also some evidence that tea prevented the build-up of dental plaque and dental cavities.
Lead researcher and public health nutritionist, Dr Carrie Ruxton, from Kings College London, said tea had more life-enhancing properties than water.
“But even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid,” she pointed out.
The Tea Council funded the study but Dr Ruxton said the research was conducted independently.
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