Embarking on a journey towards a healthier life often involves implementing small, consistent habits that eventually evolve into a lasting routine.
This principle is applicable to our dietary choices as well, and a particular beverage stands out for its numerous health advantages when consumed daily. These perks include reduced stress, enhanced memory, and potentially longevity.
Health and diet enthusiast Michael Mosley heralded these benefits on an episode of his BBC Sounds podcast, Just One Thing.
The health aficionado, famous for the promotion of the Fast 800 and 5:2 diets, commends the daily consumption of a globally cherished drink – a simple cup of tea.
He attributes daily tea consumption to stronger bones and a lower risk of heart disease, according to a report by the Mirror.
On the podcast, he expressed: “In the middle of the afternoon, I often take a short pause. I am about to engage in a quintessentially British activity that not only alleviates stress but could lower my chances of heart disease and help me lead a longer, healthier life: I’m sipping a cup of tea. Recent research indicates that certain components in tea can genuinely reduce stress. Additionally, various studies link regular tea drinking with improved memory and fewer instances of bone fractures.”
Mosley referenced a decade-long Australian study that observed over 1,000 women above the age of 75.
The investigation revealed that women who indulged in more than three cups of tea each day were nearly a third less likely to fracture a bone, compared to those who consumed one cup or less per week.
(Image: Getty Images)
In addition to this, tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which can lower stress levels, particularly in conjunction with caffeine, another component found in tea.
Mosley elaborated: “L-theanine is a behaviourally active amino acid that enhances tea’s stress-relieving properties. Experimental data indicated that participants produced less Cortisol, the stress hormone, and felt more relaxed after consuming a beverage containing L-theanine as opposed to a drink without it.”
“Alongside stress relief, L-theanine has additional merits – it can boost brain function. Modern research suggests that it can improve memory and reaction time when ingested with caffeine. With the assistance of brain scans, scientists theorize that L-theanine amplifies the activity of alpha brainwaves, responsible for being calm and alert. Hypothetically, when the brain operates at alpha frequency, it is more receptive to new data and encourages creativity.”
Even if you prefer to add milk or sugar to your tea, rejoice, as the popular drink still maintains numerous benefits, potentially even promoting a longer life.
There is evidence indicating that tea lowers the risk of stroke or heart disease, a significant concern in the later stages of life.
Reducing risk factors wherever possible should be a priority – tea drinking can accordingly play an influential role.
Mosley explained: “A study examining nearly half a million people in the UK discovered that those who drank two or more cups of tea daily had a substantially lower risk of death during the 11-year study compared to non-tea drinkers.”
“What’s the reason behind this? The greatest effect of tea appears to be in reducing stroke and heart disease. This positive outcome persisted even when participants added milk or sugar to their tea.”
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