Drinking at least three cups of tea daily cuts the risk of a heart attack. A new study found that in addition to being heart-healthy, tea may also help make bones stronger. This is in direct opposition to earlier beliefs that the caffeine and fluoride in tea had a negative effect on bone health. The study found other bonuses from tea including improved alertness and mood levels and protection against cavities.
British dietician Dr. Carrie Ruxton reviewed literature on black tea, the most common type of tea. She discovered that clinical studies showed that polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants found in tea, have a beneficial effect on the heart.
“The clearest consistent evidence points to an association between tea consumption, in excess of three cups per day, and a reduced risk of myocardial infarction or a heart attack.”
Dr. Ruxton found that drinking up to eight cups a day would deliver optimum benefits from polyphenols without affecting sleep quality.
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