Recent research suggests that enjoying the daily habit of drinking tea may have benefits beyond just relaxation. Enjoying three cups of tea every day may contribute to slowing the biological aging process, according to a new study.
The discovery by Chinese scientists suggests that traditional beer, which is rich in certain health-promoting compounds, may play a role in extending longevity.
Historically, black tea has been recognized for its potential health benefits, particularly promoting heart, gut, and brain health.
Additionally, animal studies have shown that tea’s rich flavonoids can extend the lifespan of organisms ranging from bugs and flies to mice.
Studying the effects of tea on aging
The comprehensive study, led by experts at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, analyzed data from two cohorts: 5,998 British adults aged 37 to 73 years and 7,931 Chinese adults aged 30 to 79 years.
Participants provided detailed information about their tea consumption habits, including their preferred type of tea (green tea, black tea, yellow tea, oolong tea) and the average number of cups consumed each day.
The researchers then assessed various aging markers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat percentage, to determine the participants’ biological age.
Tea slows biological aging
The survey results were published in a magazine Lancet Community Health – Western Pacificrevealed that tea drinkers show signs of slower biological aging.
“The exposure-response relationship suggests that consuming about three cups of tea, or 6 to 8 grams of tea leaves, per day may have the most pronounced anti-aging effects,” the authors wrote. are writing.
Interestingly, people who stopped drinking tea were shown to have a higher rate of biological aging.
powerful polyphenols
Researchers believe that these anti-aging effects are due to polyphenols, the main bioactive substances found in tea, which are thought to have a significant impact on the gut microbiome.
This influences age-related changes in immunity, metabolism, and cognitive function.
Although the study did not look closely at specific types of tea, it found no significant differences in aging delays between British black tea drinkers and Chinese green tea drinkers.
Furthermore, the temperature at which the tea was drunk did not seem to affect the results.
However, the researchers acknowledged that the study had limitations, including not taking into account the size of teacups used by participants.
Because this study was observational, it could not be definitively concluded that tea consumption was directly responsible for slowing biological aging.
The UK consumes around 100 million cups of tea per day, but as coffee becomes more popular, demand for tea has fallen markedly, especially among young people.
Learn more about aging and tea
Green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea are all made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but their unique characteristics are the result of different processing methods.
As mentioned earlier, these teas are rich in antioxidants, which are important in protecting the body from free radicals, molecules that damage cells and cause aging and diseases such as cancer. play a role.
Green tea slows aging and heart disease
Green tea is prized for its delicate flavor and health benefits. Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike black tea and oolong tea, green tea avoids the fermentation process, which allows it to retain most of its natural antioxidants and polyphenols.
Green tea in particular is known to be rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant. These tea compounds greatly contribute to delaying aging and promoting health.
Cultures around the world consume green tea not only for its refreshing taste, but also for its well-being effects. Research highlights green tea’s potential to improve heart health, aid weight loss, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Farmers harvest green tea leaves and rapidly heat them by steaming or pan-frying to prevent oxidation, preserving their green color and nutritional content. This process also gives green tea its characteristic green taste and aroma.
In addition to slowing aging, regular consumption of green tea is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, as it may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve arterial function, research has shown. Shown.
Health and aging benefits of black tea
Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water, and is distinguished by its robust flavor and rich history.
This is also the origin Camellia sinensis Black tea, which comes from the same plant as green tea and oolong tea, undergoes a thorough oxidation process that distinguishes it from other black teas.
This oxidation is responsible for the dark color and deep, complex flavor of black tea. The leaves are rolled up and exposed to air to begin oxidizing and drying. This method increases the tea’s caffeine content and antioxidant levels.
Black tea has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of stroke, and increased mental alertness. It is rich in compounds called flavonoids that improve heart health.
Drinking black tea is associated with a lower risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, and lower LDL cholesterol.
High antioxidant content in white tea
White tea is known for its delicate flavor and is rated as the most delicate of all tea varieties, extracted from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant.
This tea is minimally processed, only picked and dried, which preserves its natural antioxidants and gives it a light, sweet flavor.
Native to China, particularly Fujian, white tea has gained international acclaim for its health benefits and its gentle, nuanced taste.
White tea’s antioxidant properties are known to boost skin health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and support weight loss efforts. It has a lower caffeine concentration than black or green tea, making it ideal for those looking for a less stimulating drink.
Oolong tea, enzymes and aging delay
Oolong tea occupies a unique position between green tea and black tea in terms of oxidation. This semi-fermented tea is known for its diverse flavors and aromas, ranging from sweet and floral to rich and woody, depending on the degree of oxidation and the manufacturing technique used.
The production of oolong tea involves a series of precise steps: deflating in strong sunlight, scratching to initiate oxidation, shrinking, twisting, and burning to stop the oxidation process.
This careful handling results in a tea that embodies the complexity of taste and aroma that showcases the craftsmanship of the tea maker.
Oolong tea is prized not only for its deep flavor, but also for its health benefits, including boosting metabolism, aiding in weight management, and enhancing mental alertness.
spiritual awakening
Tea is associated with increased mental alertness due to its caffeine content. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that affects the central nervous system and helps improve focus, concentration, and cognitive function.
In addition to caffeine, tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is of particular interest for its effects on the brain. L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to have synergistic effects with caffeine in improving brain function.
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in tea is thought to improve cognitive performance more effectively than caffeine alone. While caffeine stimulates the brain, L-theanine promotes relaxation without the need for sedation, leading to a calm and alert state.
This unique combination improves attention, memory, and reaction speed. Additionally, L-theanine has been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety, which may further contribute to a state of mental focus.
dental health
Tea, especially green tea, has been recognized to have potential benefits for dental health. The positive effects on oral hygiene and dental health are believed to be due to several important components such as fluoride, polyphenols, and catechins.
Fluoride, a natural element found in tea, strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the risk of cavities. Meanwhile, polyphenols and catechins, powerful antioxidants found in tea, exhibit antibacterial properties that fight oral pathogens that cause cavities and periodontal disease.
Tea’s antibacterial properties extend to controlling the growth of Streptococcus mutans, an important bacterium involved in plaque formation and tooth decay.
Additionally, catechins help reduce inflammation, thereby helping to manage and prevent periodontal disease.
Tea’s contribution to oral health doesn’t stop there. It also plays a role in refreshing bad breath by neutralizing compounds that cause bad odor.
That said, be aware that consuming too much dark tea can lead to tooth staining due to the tannin content, and very hot tea can damage tooth enamel. please.
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