Tea protects against some serious diseases including heart disease and cancer
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Researchers discover drinking at least three cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water, and could have extra health benefits
Research by Kings College London found that tea rehydrates as well as water does, and protects against heart disease and some cancers too. They also discovered drinking three or four cups a day can cut the chances of having a heart attack.
Experts believe the flavonoids found in tea are the key to the additional health benefits.
The flavonoids are polyphenol antioxidants that are found in a number of foods and plants and are proven to help prevent cell damage.
Other health benefits include protection against tooth plaque and decay, and strengthening of bones.
Public health nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton said, ‘Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it’s got two things going for it.’
The research also found that drinking tea was more popular in middle-aged people, as the popularity of drinking soft drinks meant younger people were less likely to reach for the kettle. ‘Tea drinking is most common in older people, the 40 plus age range. In older people, tea sometimes made up about 70% of fluid intake so it is a really important contributor’.
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