All articles tagged with #tea
Tea is the world's second most popular beverage after water and has been repeatedly linked to longer life, healthier blood vessels, reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and cognitive benefits; black and green teas are rich in polyphenols that support cardiovascular and metabolic health.
New research indicates that about 400 mg of caffeine per day—roughly three to five cups of coffee or tea—is generally safe for most adults and is linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, plus a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, while also boosting alertness. However, high caffeine intake can cause anxiety, jitters, stomach issues, and sleep problems; benefits mainly come from natural caffeine in coffee, tea, and chocolate, with limited or potential harms from energy drinks and synthetic caffeine.
A large UK-US biomarker study (n≈30,000) shows that reaching 500 mg of daily flavanols—beneficial for heart health—often requires more than simply eating five portions of fruit/veg: many people fall short, and in the UK tea is a major flavanol source, while flavanol content varies widely between foods and between countries, suggesting dietary guidance should prioritize foods with higher bioactive content rather than counting portions alone.
A long-term U.S. study of more than 131,000 adults found that moderate daily caffeinated coffee (about 2–3 cups) or caffeinated tea (about 1–2 cups) is linked to a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive performance, while decaffeinated coffee showed no such benefit; researchers caution the results show associations, not causation, and emphasize that a healthy lifestyle remains important for brain health.
A decade-long study of nearly 10,000 older women found that regular tea drinkers had modestly higher hip bone density than non-tea drinkers, while heavy coffee intake (>5 cups/day) was linked to lower bone density. Moderate coffee (2–3 cups/day) showed no harm, but very high consumption combined with higher alcohol intake amplified negative effects. The researchers note small individual changes can translate to fewer fractures at population level, but emphasize that calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and not smoking remain the most important factors for osteoporosis. Limitations include a mostly White US cohort and self-reported beverage intake.
A large, long-term study of 131,821 healthcare professionals found that moderate caffeinated coffee or tea intake—about 250–300 mg of caffeine daily (roughly two to three cups of coffee)—is associated with up to a 35% lower risk of dementia, especially before age 75, with benefits leveling off at higher intakes. Decaf users sometimes showed faster memory decline, and tea may offer strong protection at 1–2 cups daily; overall, moderation appears key and results may be influenced by other lifestyle factors.
A study of about 9,700 US women over 65 found regular tea drinkers had modestly higher hip bone mineral density, possibly due to tea catechins, while higher coffee intake (>5 cups/day) correlated with lower bone density, especially among lifetime alcohol consumers; results suggest tea may support bone health but do not recommend increasing coffee, and calcium/vitamin D remain key to bone health.
A 43-year cohort of 131,821 NHS and HPFS participants found that moderate caffeinated coffee (2–3 cups/day) or tea (1–2 cups/day) was linked to an 18% lower dementia risk and better cognitive performance, with decaffeinated coffee showing no similar benefit and effects observed across varying genetic risk; caffeine is suspected to play a key role and the benefits were strongest at the cited intake levels.
A review of 19 studies finds that plastic particles can enter tea via packaging and brewing, with teabags identified as a major source of microplastics in hot drinks; counts vary by bag type and lab method, with some bags releasing billions of particles, while the health implications remain unclear and more research is needed.
A review in Food Chemistry finds teabags—often made with plastic mesh or mixed materials—are a leading source of microplastics and nanoplastics in tea. When exposed to boiling water, some bags can release more than a billion particles into the brew, with studies reporting up to 14.7 billion particles per bag depending on methods and detection. Results vary due to testing techniques and contamination risks, and researchers also note possible leaching of plastic additives, though health implications for humans remain unproven. The takeaway is that familiar tea packaging can be a major source of plastic contamination in tea, though exact quantities are not uniform across brands or studies.
A 43-year prospective study of 131,821 NHS and HPFS participants found that moderate caffeinated coffee (2–3 cups/day) or tea (1–2 cups/day) was associated with a lower risk of dementia, slower cognitive decline, and better cognitive performance; decaffeinated coffee did not show the same benefit. The strongest cognitive benefits appeared within these intake ranges, and results were similar across genetic risk levels, suggesting caffeine may play a key role, though the study shows association, not causation, and other lifestyle factors also matter.
Dietitians say drinks often thought to be off-limits can actually support blood sugar when chosen thoughtfully. The article highlights unsweetened coffee, dairy milk, 100% fruit juice in moderation (about a half-cup) paired with protein, unsweetened soy milk, and tea as budget-friendly options that fit a blood-sugar–friendly plan. Key tips include avoiding added sugars, retraining taste buds to prefer unsweetened drinks, swapping sugary drinks for unsweetened versions, downsizing portions, and watching caffeine intake.
BuzzFeed’s “Just Wasn’t Right” rounds up 16 celebrity splits and reveals the secret romances, engagements, and private dynamics that surfaced only after the breakups — from covert pairings like Hunter Schafer with Rosalía to high-profile twists such as Cher and Tom Cruise, Jack and Meg White, and Nicole Kidman with Lenny Kravitz, plus later revelations around Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris, Lily Allen and David Harbour, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and more. The piece highlights how fame often masks intimate histories and includes content warnings about abuse, infidelity, addiction, and abortion.
A scientific review links brewed tea—especially green tea—with better heart health, metabolism, and lower risk of chronic diseases, noting that brewed teas preserve polyphenols and catechins better than processed or bottled versions. To maximize benefits, skip or minimize sugar and choose whole-leaf tea (or matcha) over bottled varieties, as processing and added ingredients can negate tea’s advantages; tea should be part of a balanced diet, not a magic solution.
A large, long-term study of about 131,000–132,000 people followed for up to 43 years found that consuming two to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily was associated with roughly 15–20% lower dementia risk versus little or no caffeine; benefits for coffee plateaued beyond about 2.5 cups per day. The study did not prove causation and could reflect other healthy behaviors, but adjustments for various factors strengthen the association. Decaf showed no similar benefit, and stronger signals appeared before age 75. The study also noted less subjective cognitive decline and slightly better cognitive scores in some subgroups, suggesting caffeine may support brain health via inflammation and vascular pathways, though more research is needed.