Drinking tea regularly, especially green tea, helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and several types of cancer.
Science Daily notes that a team of scientists at the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, led by Mingchuan Yan and Li Zhu, studied and analyzed the effects of Camellia sinensis tea leaves, especially green tea, on human health.
Researchers have found that this beverage has a protective effect on the nervous system and may help slow muscle loss in older adults, due to its high polyphenol content, particularly catechins. The results also showed that regular tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause, improved cholesterol levels, a potential role in preventing cardiovascular disease, and antimicrobial properties.
Researchers have confirmed that catechins contribute to weight management and improve metabolic indicators in obese individuals. A reduction in indicators associated with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline was also observed among regular tea drinkers.
Conversely, researchers cautioned against excessive consumption of certain commercially prepared beverages, such as canned tea, as these often contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and high levels of sugar, which may diminish the health benefits of tea. Traces of microplastics and pesticide residues were also detected in some samples, potentially posing a health risk with long-term and high-volume consumption.
Experts also noted that tea may positively affect the absorption of non-heme iron and calcium, a point that should be considered by vegetarians and individuals with specific dietary needs. Researchers recommend consuming freshly brewed, traditional tea in moderation to obtain the best health benefits.
