Does drinking tea at least three times weekly boost longevity?

Question

Accepted Answer

Drinking Tea Three Times Weekly Is Associated with Increased Longevity and Healthier Years of Life

A large-scale Chinese study involving over 100,000 adults suggests that consuming tea at least three times per week is linked to a longer and healthier life. Habitual tea drinkers experienced a reduced risk of developing heart disease and stroke, as well as a lower likelihood of all-cause mortality compared to those who rarely or never drank tea.
Habitual Tea Consumption Linked to Delayed Disease Onset and Increased Lifespan

The research, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and following 100,902 adults without prior history of heart attack, stroke, or cancer for approximately seven years, found that individuals who drank tea three or more times weekly demonstrated a greater number of healthy years and a longer overall life expectancy. For instance, 50-year-old habitual tea drinkers were estimated to develop coronary heart disease and stroke 1.41 years later and live 1.26 years longer than their non-habitual counterparts. This group also showed a 20% lower risk of incident heart disease and stroke, a 22% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, and a 15% lower risk of all-cause death.
Consistent Tea Drinking Offers Pronounced Protective Effects

Further analysis of a subset of 14,081 participants who maintained regular tea consumption revealed even more significant benefits. Those who consistently drank tea at both assessment points exhibited a 39% lower risk of incident heart disease and stroke, a 56% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, and a 29% decreased risk of all-cause death when compared to individuals who consistently drank little to no tea. These findings underscore that sustained, habitual tea consumption yields the most pronounced protective effects.
Frequent Intake of Bioactive Compounds is Key

The protective benefits associated with tea consumption are believed to be linked to its main bioactive compounds, polyphenols. Research suggests that these compounds are not stored long-term in the body, implying that frequent and regular intake is necessary to achieve and maintain cardioprotective effects. This highlights the importance of consistent consumption patterns for reaping the health advantages offered by tea.
Green Tea Shows Specific Cardiovascular Benefits

The study also indicated a differential effect based on tea type, with green tea consumption being associated with approximately a 25% lower risk of incident and fatal heart disease and stroke, as well as all-cause death. In contrast, no significant associations were found for black tea. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are known to protect against cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Black tea, being fully fermented, may experience a loss of antioxidant effects in its polyphenols, and the common practice of adding milk to black tea has also been suggested to potentially counteract its beneficial health properties.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Does drinking tea at least three times weekly boost longevity?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends