Tea: How healthy is the standard cuppa?
19 June 2008
You may have read that green tea is good for you, but does the standard cup of tea have similar benefits – and, if so, how much do we need to drink every day?
Researchers have discovered that the ‘great British cuppa’ can reduce the risk of a heart attack, and also strengthen our bones – and these beneficial effects happen after just three cups a day.
Tea can also keep the body hydrated, and can help improve our mood and keep us alert.
Polyphenols, a natural antioxidant, are the key ingredient in tea, and they seem to have beneficial effects across a range of biochemical processes. The polyphenols work just as well when milk is added.
As they are so good for us, it seems the more tea we drink, the greater benefit it has on our wellbeing. Although three cups a tea a day is the minimum required to start having a positive impact on health, the optimum intake is eight cups a day, researchers from the British Nutrition Foundation have found.
(Source: Daily Telegraph, June 10, 2008).