posted September 26, 2006 05:33 PM         

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

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Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for it
Lead author Dr Ruxton

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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.

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Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink
Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation

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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.

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/5281046.stm

Published: 2006/08/24 09:51:47 GMT

posted September 27, 2006 09:51 AM         

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

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Despite Dr. Ruxton's protestations to the contrary, I think the part I quoted in bold says it all.

Sheesh. Wanna buy the Brookly Bridge too? How about the fountain of youth?

posted September 27, 2006 08:10 PM         

Not surprised that the industry funded the study and thus paper...it does sound like an advertisement by saying... "A healthy drink" and "healthier than water"

posted September 29, 2006 08:56 AM         

But I get so annoyed and frustrated with companies and their vested interests, launching campaigns to fool people, in order to make themselves more wealthy. Have you seen the latest commercials for 7-Up soda pop? "Now, all natural ingredients...it's like picking the lemon and limes off the vine!" And a shopper picks her can of 7-Up out of the produce section, sniffing it with a beatific expression on her face, as though she's just smelled manna from heaven. Absurd!

Milk manufacturers have studies they're using in their commercials..."Several servings of milk each day may help you lose weight and be healthier..." Watch for words like may and might. And they fail to tell you that they funded the studies! There are lots of independent studies indicating how much dairy leads to obesity, allergies, etc.

All that said, if you are able to master mind over matter, it will be irrelevant what you eat. McDonald's, dairy, tainted spinach, you will always be healthy. But few of us achieve that.

In good health...