According to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, drinking at least 2 cups of black tea every day helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase life expectancy. Adding milk or sugar would not change the result.
Due to its many benefits, tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Green tea, in particular, is said to have antioxidant properties. When green tea, we did not know much to date. Until a recent study by the American National Cancer Institute, the results of which were published in the scientific journal Annals of Internal Medicine, on August 30, 2022. This study reveals that the consumption of at least 2 cups a day of this beverage reduces the risk of mortality.
Nearly half a million participants over 11 years
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted its study for 11 years, with nearly 500,000 people aged 40 to 69 registered in the UK BioBank. A country where black tea is the main type of tea consumed. Among the participants, 85% drank this drink daily. British researchers have found that individuals who enjoy two or more cups a day have a 9-13% lower risk of death than others. They found that black tea drinkers had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease or stroke.
A vasodilating and anti-inflammatory power
This reduced risk is explained by the fact that black tea is very rich in antioxidants. Among which polyphenols and flavonoids. These molecules are also present in red wine, coffee and cocoa. They have a recognized vasodilating power. A quality that helps prevent heart disease and strokes. Also, they reduce inflammation in the body and stress, thus preventing the appearance of certain pathologies. These include respiratory diseases, diabetes and certain cancers.
Nuance the link between black tea and longevity of life expectancy
The American scientists specify that the temperature of the tea, the addition of milk or sugar and the genetic variations did not change the results. On the other hand, they underline the fact that people who drank only one cup a day had on average the same risks of mortality as those who did not drink it. Moreover, from 7 cups per day, the positive effects on mortality decreased.
Despite the apparent virtues of the product, the authors of the study want to be cautious. They call, for example, to qualify the link between black tea and the longevity of life expectancy. The reason? Overall lifestyle can enter into the equation (habits, diet, etc.) as well as health status. The scientists recognize another limitation to their study: they did not take into account the strength of the tea and the volume of the cups consumed. Despite these reservations, the NIH invites you to include this drink in a healthy and balanced diet. Without abusing it. Too much caffeine which can in particular disturb sleep.