Via MSN - it turns out that Tea has amazing medicinal benefits, including extending lifespan! How great is that?!
Recent research suggests that enjoying a daily ritual of tea drinking could have more benefits than just relaxation. According to a new study, indulging in three cups of tea daily might contribute to delaying the process of biological aging.
This finding by Chinese scientists hints at the possibility that the traditional brew, rich in certain health-promoting compounds, may play a role in enhancing longevity.
Historically, black tea has been recognized for its potential health benefits, particularly in enhancing heart, gut, and brain health.
Moreover, animal studies have indicated that flavonoids, abundantly found in tea, could potentially increase the lifespan of organisms ranging from worms and flies to mice.
Studying tea's impact on aging
A comprehensive study by experts at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, involved analyzing data from two cohorts: 5,998 British individuals aged between 37 and 73, and 7,931 Chinese participants aged 30 to 79.
The participants provided detailed information about their tea consumption habits, including the type of tea they preferred (green, black, yellow, or oolong) and the average number of cups they consumed each day.
The researchers then assessed various aging markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat percentage to determine the participants' biological age.
Tea slows biological aging
The findings, published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, revealed that tea drinkers exhibited signs of slower biological aging.
"The exposure-response relationship suggested that consuming around three cups of tea or six to eight grams of tea leaves per day may offer the most evident anti-aging benefits," the authors wrote.
Interestingly, those who had given up on tea drinking showed a higher increase in the acceleration of biological aging.
Powerful polyphenols
The researchers attributed these anti-aging benefits to polyphenols, the primary bioactive substances in tea, which are believed to influence gut microbiota significantly.
This, in turn, impacts age-related shifts in immunity, metabolism, and cognitive function.
While the study did not delve into the specific types of tea, it found no substantial differences in delayed aging between UK black tea drinkers and Chinese green tea enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the temperature at which the tea was consumed appeared to have no impact on the outcomes.
However, the researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, including not accounting for the size of the tea cups used by participants.
As the study was observational, it could not definitively conclude that tea drinking was directly responsible for slowing down biological aging.
In the UK, where tea consumption amounts to about 100 million cups per day, there has been a noticeable decline in tea demand, particularly among younger individuals, in the face of growing coffee popularity.
More about aging and tea
Green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea all come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but their unique characteristics are a result of different processing methods.
As discussed previously, these teas are rich in antioxidants, which play a significant role in protecting the body from free radicals, molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
Green tea slows aging and heart disease
Green tea is revered for its delicate flavor and health benefits, originating from the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike black or oolong teas, green tea avoids the fermentation process, allowing it to retain most of its natural antioxidants and polyphenols.
Green tea, in particular, is renowned for its high concentration of catechins, a type of antioxidant. These tea compounds contribute significantly to delayed aging and health-promoting qualities.
Cultures around the world consume green tea not just for its refreshing taste but also for its ability to enhance well-being. Research highlights green tea's potential in improving heart health, aiding weight loss, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Farmers harvest green tea leaves and quickly heat them -- either by steaming or pan-firing -- to prevent oxidation, preserving their green color and nutrient content. This process also imparts to green tea its characteristic grassy taste and aroma.
In addition to delayed aging, studies have linked the regular consumption of green tea to a reduced risk of heart disease, as it may help in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and improving artery function.
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