Drinking three cups of tea a day not only slows biological aging, but also reduces the risk of anxiety and insomnia. Scientists from Sichuan University in China came to these conclusions. results published In The Lancet.
5,998 Britons and 7,931 Chinese aged 37 to 73 (volunteers were aged 30 to 79) took part in the study. Participants provided information about their dietary habits, including the type of tea consumed (green, black, yellow, oolong) and the number of cups regularly consumed per day. The research team then recorded indicators (markers) of the participants’ aging. Scientists measured the volunteers’ blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and body fat percentage to calculate their biological age.
It turns out that frequent tea drinkers exhibit patterns that indicate a slowdown in biological aging. Tea drinkers were less likely to suffer from hypertension and diabetes. Drinking three cups of this beverage is also associated with a reduced risk of developing insomnia and anxiety disorders. However, the researchers did not specify what size cup the participants used.
Most likely, the rejuvenating properties of tea are associated with the high content of polyphenols – tannic acids of plant origin that have antioxidant properties. Plant polyphenols prevent oxidative stress by preventing and neutralizing the formation of special particles – free radicals. This ability allows polyphenols to protect body cells against damage caused by oxidation.
Previously recognizedthat a special compound in tea may reduce the negative health effects of hookah smoking.