A recent study indicates that consuming three cups of tea daily could have anti-ageing benefits, slowing down biological ageing by reducing cell damage, according to Chinese researchers. The study suggests that the healthy chemicals found in black and green tea may positively influence ageing, helping to maintain organ function for a longer duration.
Dr. Yi Xiang from Sichuan University explains, “We found that consuming roughly three cups of tea per day may provide anti-ageing benefits. This could be due to the fact that tea contains numerous bioactive compounds.”
The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, focused on the impact of tea consumption on biological ageing, measuring how quickly cells deteriorate. The research involved 5,998 adults in Britain aged 37 to 73 and 7,931 individuals aged 30 to 79 in China.
Tea, known for its polyphenols, powerful antioxidants, has previously been associated with reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Polyphenols also offer protection against various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
The participants in the study were asked about their tea-drinking habits, including green and oolong tea, as well as the traditional black tea often mixed with milk for a classic British brew. Special blood tests were employed to measure biological ageing by examining changes in DNA.
The findings revealed that any amount of tea consumption contributed to a reduction in the pace of ageing over the average two-year follow-up, with the most significant improvements observed at the threshold of three cups a day.
Dr. Xiang elaborated, “Tea contains various bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, theanine, and caffeine, which may be related to its potential anti-ageing effects. Polyphenols have been reported to modulate gut microbiota, which might have an important effect on regulating age-related changes in immunity, metabolism, and cognitive function.”
This study adds to the growing body of research showcasing the potential health benefits of regular tea consumption, further highlighting its positive influence on ageing and overall well-being.
