In the U.K. alone, roughly 75 million cups of tea are consumed daily, while it is estimated that over 3 billion cups are consumed worldwide every day. Tea’s popularity isn’t just due to its pleasant taste either. For centuries it has been drunk for its therapeutic benefits, which have now been heavily studied. So, let’s break down all the science-backed reasons you should be drinking more tea. The medicinal benefits of tea, no matter the variety, have been known for thousands of years. And now, modern science is backing up a lot of those benefits. Here are 10 science-backed reasons to drink more tea: In a review of 15 studies3, it was found that those who consumed two to six cups of green tea a day for longer than 12 weeks had lower body fat and body weight than those who did not. Not a fan of brewed tea yet? Green tea extract, a concentrated form of green tea available in powders and pills, has also shown metabolism-boosting weight loss benefits. Research has shown that tea can be beneficial for those with inflammatory bowel disease as well as other inflammation-driven diseases5. Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death in the U.S., making tea all the more important to drink daily. More benefit was seen in those who drank three to four cups a day versus one cup or no cups, so drink up! Additionally, it can boost memory and increase attention span to prevent cognitive decline. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea has been shown to improve reaction time, visual processing, memory, and concentration9. It even changes the way your brain is organized for more efficient information processing. While more clinical studies in humans are needed, some long-term observational studies have found similar cancer-fighting benefits. For example, Japanese women who drank 10 or more cups of green tea a day (120 ml or 4 ounces each) had a seven-year delay in cancer11 onset. This amount of tea was reported to be equivalent to 2.5 grams of green tea extract. Matcha is essentially green tea powder but differs from brewed green tea in that the tea leaves are covered prior to harvest, yielding a more concentrated flavor and higher caffeine and antioxidant levels. Other concerns include: Caffeine. Caffeine content varies in teas and among brands but is highest in black tea. White, green, and oolong tea are lowest, providing only around 25 to 35 mg per 8-oz. cup. Those who are allergic or sensitive to caffeine should choose herbal, white, green, or oolong teas and avoid drinking any caffeinated teas in the afternoon or evening. Iron-deficiency anemia. Tannins and caffeine in tea (and coffee) can reduce iron absorption, especially from plant sources. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with anemia should be cautious about their tea consumption. Children. While the FDA provides no guidelines for safe caffeine intake for children, The European Food Information Council reports that children may consume one to two cups of tea a day, depending on age, without going above safe caffeine limits. Heat damage. Heard the media reports about hot beverages and cancer risk? A recent study from 201618 reported an increase in esophageal cancer risk in those who consumed tea less than four minutes after pouring, or at temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius (150 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite this and other research, it still appears that sips of beverages below 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), easily obtained by waiting five or more minutes after steeping time before ingestion, is most likely safe. Despite your tea of choice, the research is clear. Drink three to six cups every day of white, green, oolong, black, or herbal tea as a way to stay warm in the cold months, cool off during the hot months, and to enjoy a healthier heart, brain, and body. Natalie loves spending time with her husband and three children in the kitchen, garden and in nature. She is a foodie at heart and loves most cuisines, but especially spicy Indian and Thai.
