PUT the kettle on, it is time to raise a toast to the humble cuppa.
More than 100million cups of char are consumed daily in the UK, but new research shows four out of five of us are unaware of the health benefits contained in our mugs.
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Here, dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Tea Advisory Panel (teaadvisorypanel.com), reveals the often surprising health benefits in a typical brew.
HEART HEALTH: Regular cups of Rosie Lee are great for your ticker and could add years to your life expectancy.
Proven cardiovascular benefits include lower blood pressure – while having a daily cuppa for seven or more years, with or without milk, could cut your risk of stroke or heart attack by up to 19 per cent compared to other beverages.
Dr Ruxton says: “Natural compounds in tea, called polyphenols, help to lower blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. The sweet spot is four cups a day.
“Regular black tea is the best option but remember to steep it for one to two minutes to maximise the benefits.”
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IMPROVED ZZZs: Most of us (87 per cent) are not aware a good brew could help us have a better night’s kip but studies have linked sipping tea to sweeter dreams.
Dr Ruxton says: “People are often surprised when I say that a night-time cuppa is a great way to nod off.
“A recent review found just one or two cups of tea a day could help promote sleep quality and relaxation.
“Try either a traditional cuppa or chamomile, lavender or valerian root tea before bed to support your sleep.”
GOOD BONES: Research involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking cuppas resulted in higher bone mineral density around the hips.
The brew also lowered the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Polyphenols, found in black and green tea, are believed to be behind this.
Dr Ruxton says: “We still don’t know whether tea has a specific effect on bones or just helps the body to absorb minerals.
“It may even be that tea drinkers get more calcium in the form of milk in their cup”.
LESS STRESS: Brewing up regularly could contribute to better mental health by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety or symptoms of low mood.
Compounds in tea contributing to inner calm include the amino acid L-theanine, and neurotransmitter GABA.
One study by University College London also proved a strong mug of builder’s can lower cortisol levels after a shock or stressful event.
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GREAT GNASHERS: Enjoy a cuppa and you may reap rewards at the dentist.
Dr Ruxton says: “Tea polyphenols act as an anti-bacterial. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth meaning drinking a cuppa can help banish this. In one study, rinsing the mouth with sugar-free tea was as effective as a regular mouthwash.”
STAY SHARP: Brew up for a brain boost. One study of more than 4,000 people found that regular tea-drinking was significantly associated with a lowered chance of impairments such as declining memory or problem solving in middle age and older age.
Dr Ruxton says: “Experts concluded that drinking tea, especially black tea, can have a positive effect on cognitive function.
“Just one or two cups a day provided some benefits’.
TOP TUMMIES: Polyphenols in tea can have a positive effect on your gut bacteria, known as the microbiome.
Dr Ruxton says: “These millions of tiny bugs help us to stay healthy.
“A study from Japan found three cups of regular tea daily for three months boosted ‘friendly’ species of bacteria in the gut and reduced respiratory infections, like colds.’
Herbal teas, especially peppermint, ginger and chamomile also ease nausea, bloating and wind.
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DRINK FOR DESIRE: A tea break could boost your sex drive.
One study found black tea can elevate testosterone, which has been shown to increase libido levels in men and women.
And many herbal teas are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, particularly ginseng.
