Tea Healthier Than Water!

The researchers recommend people consume three to four cups of tea a day and that a cup of tea is healther than a glass of water.

Today the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has disepelled the common belief that tea dehyrdrates while not only proving that a cup of tea hydrates just as well as a glass of water, but can also protect against heart disease.

Experts believe that flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea which promote better health. These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many plants, including tea leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage.

Public health nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it’s got two things going for it.”

Researchers found clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day can cut the chances of having a heart attack. Other health benefits seen included protection against tooth plaque and potentially tooth decay, plus bone strengthening. They also dispelled the urban myth that tea is dehydrating.

“Studies on caffeine have found very high doses dehydrate and everyone assumes that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate. But even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid. Also, a cup of tea contains fluoride, which is good for the teeth,” Dr Ruxton added.

In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5-2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink.”

So for anyone feeling dehydrated this summer whether it’s enjoying the heatwave or relaxing after a morning run, a cup of tea makes a better recovery drink than a glass of water.

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