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2008-09-17 01:24:55
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
it
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.