Drinking tea every day is proven to delay biological aging in humans

Imagine you’re sitting in your favorite cozy spot, unwinding from the day with a comforting cup of tea in your hand. What if that simple tea ritual was also the secret to slowing down the aging process?

Recent research has revealed that the daily habit of drinking tea might not just be feeding your soul, but it could also be delaying your biological aging.

Scientists embarked on an in-depth exploration of how our beloved brew might contribute to a longer, healthier life.

The concept that tea, something as familiar and everyday, could hold such profound health benefits is truly fascinating.

Impact of drinking tea on human aging

The research team behind this study is based at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. They mined data from a sizable sample of 5,998 British participants aged between 37 to 73, and 7,931 Chinese individuals aged 30 to 79.

Participants opened up about their tea-drinking habits, shedding light on the type of tea they savored — whether green, black, yellow, or oolong, and their daily consumption levels.

Published in The Lancet Regional Health journal, the study’s findings are eye-opening. Regular tea drinkers appear to flaunt signs of slower biological aging.

The magic number seems to be around three cups or six to eight grams of tea leaves each day, offering the most clear cut anti-aging benefits.

However, there’s a catch. If you have stopped drinking tea, your biological aging might be accelerating faster. It seems that keeping up with your tea drinking habit regularly is the key to harness its benefits.

Secret behind the brew

So, what makes tea such a secret weapon against aging? The scientists believe it’s the polyphenols — the primary bioactive substances in tea.

These play a crucial role in influencing the gut microbiota, affecting age-related changes related to immunity, metabolism, and even cognitive function.

Regardless of whether it was a cup of UK black tea or Chinese green tea, the study didn’t find any significant differences in the anti-aging effects.

The temperature at which the tea was consumed also didn’t impact the outcomes.

Understanding the world of tea and aging

Tea isn’t a one-size-fits-all beverage. There are different types, each offering unique health benefits through their individual processing methods.

Green tea: The antioxidant powerhouse

Green tea is known for its high antioxidant content and polyphenols. Regular consumption has been linked to improved heart health, weight loss assistance, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Black tea: The robust heart-health enhancer

Black tea is not only flavorful but also packed with flavonoids that enhance heart health. It’s linked to lowering stroke risk, decreasing blood pressure, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

White tea: The gentle guardian

White tea, derived from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, is praised for its antioxidant properties. It’s known for enhancing skin health, supporting weight loss efforts, and containing less caffeine.

Oolong tea: The metabolism booster

Oolong tea sits in between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. Celebrated for its diverse flavors, it’s also recognized for boosting metabolism and weight management.

How tea slows aging

Further to the potential slowing of aging, tea is also linked with enhanced mental alertness, thanks to its caffeine content.

Tea’s unique blend of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine prompts enhanced attention, better memory, and faster reaction times, leading to improved mental performance.

Notably, tea, particularly green tea, also supports dental health. Filled with fluoride, it strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the risk of tooth decay.

The polyphenols and catechins found in tea also combat bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.

Proceed with a pinch of caution

While the study provides promising insights, its limitations can’t be ignored.

The size of the tea cups was not accounted for, and the findings, being observational, can’t definitively conclude that tea drinking directly slows biological aging.

The UK, known for its firm tea-drinking tradition, has witnessed a decline in its younger population’s demand for tea.

But perhaps, understanding these potential health benefits may reignite the interest in the humble cup.

Should you join the tea club?

If you’re a tea lover, this research validates your indulgence. If you’re not, it might be time to consider embracing this simple pleasure for the potential significant benefits to your health.

The key appears to be moderation, with around three cups of tea a day offering the most evident anti-aging benefits.

Whether green, black, white, or oolong is your cup of tea, each brew offers an enjoyable way to potentially support your well-being.

So, as you settle down with your next cup of tea, take a moment to savor not only the taste but also the potential health benefits that might be steeping within.

The full study was published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health.

—–

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–