New Study Highlights the Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

If you're looking to improve your health, you may to drink more tea. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who regularly drink tea live longer than their counterparts who don't drink tea. 

About the Study

For the study, researchers from the United Kingdom surveyed approximately a half-million adults while questioning them about their lifestyle habits, including their tea consumption. Researchers followed the participants for 14 years.  After accounting for various risk factors, researchers discovered a correlation between tea consumption and longevity.

According to the study, people who drink two or more cups of tea per day are 9% to 13% less likely to die from all causes than people who don't drink any amount of tea.

Green Tea vs Black Tea

It's well-known that green tea is good for your health. All varieties of tea come from the same plant. Known as the Camellia sinesis, it's an evergreen shrub that's native to Asia. Black tea comes from this same plant, but it undergoes a different production process than green tea.

To make green tea, manufacturers immediately steam the leaves after harvesting them. To make black tea, manufacturers wait for the leaves to fully oxidize. Green tea contains more tannins, resulting in a somewhat bitter flavor. Black tea has a stronger, less-bitter flavor.

While most people recognize the health benefits of green tea, many of them overlook the health benefits of black tea. The study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that both green and black tea offer health benefits.

Why Tea Is Good for Your Health

Whether green or black, tea contains high concentrations of antioxidants. Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals that protect the body from free radicals. Over time, free radicals can damage the body. They cause oxidation while increasing the risk of chronic ailments. Tea, however, can neutralize free radicals.

Tea also has anti-inflammatory properties. It's been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease. People who suffer from chronic inflammation are more likely to develop heart disease. To reduce inflammation in your body, you may want to drink more tea. Research has shown that tea can reduce inflammation in the body.

In Conclusion

Aside from its distinct and delicious flavor, tea is good for your health. A recent study has found that people who drink either green tea or black tea are up to 13% less likely to die from all causes than people who don't drink any amount of tea.