5 health reasons to drink tea

Put the kettle on and get chugging – tea is officially good for your health.

Researchers attribute tea’s health properties to polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) and phytochemicals.

Though most studies have focused on the better-known green and black teas, white and oolong also bring wide-ranging benefits.

female pouring tea

Candis health editor Karen Evennett explains five reasons to brew up…

1. It’s cancer protective

Some scientists think that specific antioxidants in tea, including polyphenols and catechins, may help prevent some types of cancer.

A Japanese population survey found people who drank over ten cups of tea a day were less likely to get cancer. Other studies show specific links to a lower risk of breast, stomach, prostate, ovarian and lung cancers.

2. It may be the only way you drink milk

Four cups of tea with milk a day will give you 21 per cent of the calcium you need.

Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly.

3. It’s even good for your teeth!

Tea is a natural source of fluoride and drinking four cups makes a significant contribution to your daily intake. (Only 11 per cent of UK water supply has added fluoride.)

4. Reduced risk of heart attack

Studies show a cup of green tea a day could help keep your heart healthy.

The drink was found to widen the artery, which runs from the shoulder to the elbow, by 4 per cent within 30 minutes – reducing the risk of blood clots.
Green tea is thought to reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce risk of stroke and improve cholesterol levels.

5. It’s hydrating

Tea is hydrating to the body (even despite the caffeine!). We’re urged to drink up to eight glasses of water a day, which people often struggle with, particularly if they don’t like the taste. But fear not, coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many people used to believe they were dehydrating but that myth has been debunked, according to WebMD.

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