Drinking three cups of tea daily appears to slow visible aging markers and may lower the likelihood of anxiety and sleep disturbances. These findings come from researchers at Sichuan University in China and were reported after analysis of data published in a major medical journal called The Lancet.
The study brought together 5,998 Britons and 7,931 Chinese adults aged 37 to 73, with volunteers ranging from 30 to 79. Participants supplied information on their eating and drinking habits, including which varieties of tea they favored (green, black, yellow, oolong) and how many cups they consumed each day. The research team then tracked several indicators that serve as clues to biological aging. These included measurements of blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and body fat percentage, all used to estimate a person’s biological age relative to their chronological age.
The analysis showed that those who drank tea more often tended to display signs consistent with slower biological aging. Regular tea drinkers were less likely to have high blood pressure or diabetes, and they also appeared to have a lower risk of insomnia and anxiety disorders. The researchers did note that the exact size of the tea cup could affect results, but the study did not standardize cup size across participants.
Many researchers believe the anti-aging signals from tea come from its rich polyphenol content. These plant compounds, including tannins, act as antioxidants. Polyphenols help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to cellular damage and aging. This mechanism may help explain why tea drinkers show several favorable health patterns in the study.
Earlier work has hinted that a particular compound in tea could blunt some negative health effects associated with smoking. While this line of inquiry is evolving, the current findings emphasize tea’s potential role in supporting cardiovascular health and sleep quality, alongside the broader benefits of a balanced lifestyle. Canadian and American populations looking to incorporate tea into a daily routine may find three cups a day to be a simple, enjoyable habit with potential long-term benefits, though it should be part of a varied diet and healthy living practices. The study underscores that tea is a beverage with cultural appeal across many countries, offering a comforting ritual as well as possible health advantages.