If you enjoy drinking tea, pay attention! (If you want coffee, this news might change your mind.) Are you aware that your practice of drinking tea could contribute to a longer lifespan?
A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health — Western Pacific reveals the recommended daily use of tea to slow the aging process, specifically regarding biological age (BA).
Your biological age is the age of your cells. It offers a precise measure of your overall health and the efficiency of your body’s functions.
It can determine whether your body’s aging rate is faster or slower than your actual age.
Moreover, BA can be modified through certain lifestyle adjustments you make to prevent age-related illnesses and prolong your period of good health. This is where this study comes in.
Consuming tea could be the lifestyle adjustment you require to increase your lifespan.
The Research
The research included 7,931 individuals aged 30 to 79 from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) Study and 5,998 individuals aged 37 to 73 from the UK Biobank (UKB).
These people finished the initial and first follow-up questionnaires. Right from the start, they were given questions about tea, like how frequently they consume it and how many cups they have.
BA acceleration was measured using the Klemera Doubal method (KDM), a mathematical tool designed to identify BA. It accomplishes this by evaluating a group of biomarkers in the body that is linked to the process of aging.
The Special Number: Three Cups of Tea
Based on the research, consuming approximately three cups of tea (or 6 to 8g of tea leaves) daily may offer the most significant advantages in slowing down the process of biological aging.
It is worth mentioning that the researchers specified that one cup of tea is equivalent to 200 ml, which is a little less than 7 oz. Therefore, drinking three of their “cups” equals 21 fl oz or 2.6 eight-ounce US cups.
Furthermore, this study uses black and green tea rather than herbal teas.
Although the study did not investigate the reasons behind tea’s anti-aging properties, the researchers propose that several bioactive compounds in tea, like EGCG (a polyphenol found in green tea), might be the explanation. Based on further studies, polyphenols such as EGCG have been associated with increased lifespan.
The Outcome
Tea enthusiasts and those who don’t drink tea but started drinking it both saw a reduction in BA acceleration compared to people who don’t drink tea.
People who consume tea are also less likely to have anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as insomnia. Moreover, individuals transitioning from drinking tea to abstaining from it exhibited a more significant rise in BA acceleration.
Alcohol and Tea: A Link
If you consume alcohol, you might consider reducing your intake to experience the full anti-aging advantages of tea. Based on the study, the benefits of tea were more noticeable in individuals who didn’t consume alcohol than those who did.
This is remarkably accurate for persons who transitioned from not consuming tea to consuming it.
Further observations
Although the study concentrated on the link between tea drinking and biological aging, it is essential to mention that tea has been connected to various other health advantages.
Tea has been considered a necessary part of traditional medicine for many years due to its ability to potentially enhance the immune system, assist with digestion, and even support weight control.
Tea contains a high amount of antioxidants, which can assist in reducing oxidative stress within the body. Oxidative stress is associated with other long-term health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Regular tea consumption may help improve overall well-being and lower the risk of certain illnesses by reducing oxidative stress.
In addition, the amount of caffeine in tea, while less than that in coffee, might give a mild increase in energy without the anxious effects commonly linked to coffee.
It’s an excellent option for people looking for a less intense supply of caffeine to stay awake and concentrated during the day.
Aside from EGCG, tea also contains additional bioactive chemicals such as catechins and theanine, which have been examined for their possible health advantages.
Catechins, for instance, are recognized for reducing inflammation, while theanine is believed to encourage relaxation and alleviate stress.
Final thoughts
The research indicates that adding three cups of black or green tea to your daily routine may be a straightforward yet efficient method to decelerate the biological aging process and enhance longevity.
It’s a pleasant reminder that, occasionally, the secret to a healthier and longer life can be discovered in the most basic of daily habits — drinking tea. Therefore, lift your teacup and celebrate in honor of a lengthier, more robust life!
The results of this study provide valuable information on the possible advantages of drinking tea and offer individuals a convenient and pleasant method to enhance their general health and well-being.
As usual, seeking advice from a healthcare professional before altering your diet or lifestyle is essential. However, perhaps slowing down the aging process with a daily cup of tea is intriguing.