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Tea 'healthier' drink than water

2009-06-29 07:30:54

Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty

of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.

The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common

belief that tea dehydrates.

Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against

heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found.

Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health.

Healthy cuppa

These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many foods and plants, including tea

leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage.

Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for

Lead author Dr Ruxton

Public health nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton, and colleagues at Kings College

London, looked at published studies on the health effects of tea consumption.

They found clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day can cut

the chances of having a heart attack.

Some studies suggested tea consumption protected against cancer, although this

effect was less clear-cut.

Other health benefits seen included protection against tooth plaque and

potentially tooth decay, plus bone strengthening.

Dr 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."

Rehydrating

She said it was an urban myth that tea is dehydrating.

"Studies on caffeine have found very high doses dehydrate and everyone assumes

that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate. 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.

"Also, a cup of tea contains fluoride, which is good for the teeth," she added.

There was no evidence that tea consumption was harmful to health. However,

research suggests that tea can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from

food, meaning people at risk of anaemia should avoid drinking tea around

mealtimes.

Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink

Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation

Dr Ruxton's team found average tea consumption was just under three cups per

day.

She said the increasing popularity of soft drinks meant many people were not

drinking as much tea as before.

"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," she said.

Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation said: "Studies in the

laboratory have shown potential health benefits.

"The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done. But

there are definite potential health benefits from the polyphenols in terms of

reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancers.

"In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5-2 litres per day and that can

include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink."

The Tea Council provided funding for the work. Dr Ruxton stressed that the work

was independent.

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Posted: 2009491@455.24

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