Teeing up a cuppa tea
January is Hot Tea Month, so let's look at the health benefits that come from having a cup of fresh-brewed black and green tea. (No tea bags please; they often contain micro- and nanoplastics that are released in hot water.)
A new review in a journal called (I kid you not) Beverage Plant Research says there is solid evidence that regularly drinking tea helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and some types of cancer (drinking black coffee does, too). It also says that more studies on humans are needed to confirm that drinking tea helps prevent cognitive decline and muscle loss in older folks, and that tea is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
What makes tea do so many good things for you? Well, green tea, especially, contains a good dose of polyphenols such as catechins, and is anti-inflammatory. Both black and green tea also contain caffeine (that's good for cardiovascular health, lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes and promotes longevity) and an amino acid called theanine that calms caffeine jitters and -- dig this -- acts as an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety, metabolic regulatory, cardiovascular protective, liver and kidney protective, and immune regulatory substance!
But not all tea beverages deliver the promise of better health. Bubble teas, sugary brews and bottled teas with preservatives should be avoided. Add mint or lemon to hot teas or a tablespoon of pureed fresh strawberries or blueberries to your iced tea. For even more healthy beverages, check out my book "The What to Eat When Cookbook."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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