The historical minute: how tea helped reduce mortality in 18th century England?

In the 18th century, tea became extremely popular in England, and it had unexpected benefits. Indeed, beyond the taste, and the moment of relaxation offered by the drink, tea has also had a considerable impact on mortality.

According to a study, published in 2022 by Francisca Antman in The Review of Economics and Statisticsthe increase in tea consumption in 18th century England led to a curious phenomenon: the drop in mortality.

The answer to this mystery is however quite logical: the increase in tea consumption has led to an involuntary increase in the consumption of boiled water. It is this boiled water, and therefore freed of a large part of its bacteria, which has made it possible to reduce the mortality rate.