10 Ways A Cuppa Can Improve Your Health


Woman sipping cup of tea

By Dr Tim Bond of The Tea Advisory Panel (TAP)

Dr Tim Bond

Dr Tim Bond

1 Potentially helps to cut the risks of dementia or delay its onset.

2 Thought to enhance cognition and memory.

3 Helps reduce depression and anxiety.

Full Tea Cup and Half Glass Pot

Pic: iStockphoto

4 Helps cuts the risk of heart and circulation problems by up to 20% – some studies have found it could even be as high as 43% -45%.

5 Helps cut the risk of type 2 diabetes – studies indicate the beneficial effect could be between 16% and a third.

6 Helps aid weight control – thought to be because of the catechin content and because of positive changes in the gut bacteria.

Woman making cup of tea with teabag

Pic: Shutterstock

7 Helps tackle high blood pressure – one study found drinking black tea could have a 10% effect at reducing blood pressure, while another found drinking green tea could reduce the risk by 46%.

8 Improves oral health – one study found tea helped with 40% reduction in dental decay risk and there is evidence tea can combat bad breath and reduce inflammation, bone reabsorption and the growth of bacteria association with gum disease.

Portrait of pretty young woman brushing her teeth in the bathroom at home.

Pic: iStockphoto

9 Helps protect eyesight – research shows tea could reduce the risk of glaucoma and the risk of cataracts.

Woman having her eyes tested

Pic: Shutterstock

10 Helps gives bones better protection – tea drinkers tend to have stronger bones and researchers report that tea appears to improve bone mineral density, especially in the spine, hip and neck. A further study also found that tea consumption may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

 For more information on tea visit the Tea Advisory Panel . . . 

Moira Chisholm

I'm the Health Editor on My Weekly and am always interested to hear what's new in this fascinating field. I also deal with the gardening, shopping pages, general features, our website content and the Ask Helen problem page. I have a special interest in Christmas content because I'm on the team for Your Best Ever Christmas Magazine, too!