The pursuit of a long, healthy life is something that has been a universal aspiration for humanity throughout the ages. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the desire to live a long and fulfilling life without the burden of physical and mental ailments has always been at the forefront of human thought. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper self-care practices is crucial to living a longer life, these practices don't have to be complicated or arduous. In fact, recent research suggests that something as simple as drinking a cup of tea a few times a week can have a positive impact on your longevity.
January is known as National Tea Month, and with good reason. The numerous health benefits of drinking tea are well documented, and recent studies have shown that tea consumption can have a significant impact on life expectancy. For example, a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that "habitual tea drinkers had 1.41 years longer of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-free years and 1.26 years longer of life expectancy at the [sic] age of 50 years." The study also found that tea consumption was associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, particularly among those who were consistent tea drinkers.
So whether you are a die-hard coffee drinker or an occasional tea drinker, the evidence is clear that incorporating tea into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. So, take a moment to celebrate National Tea Month and discover the teas that can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Sip Your Way to a Longer Life: The Best Teas for Longevity
Uncovering the Secret to Longevity: How Drinking the Right Tea Can Help We all desire to live a long life free from medical complications and the physical and mental pain that comes with them. To achieve this, many of us turn to self-care and wellness practices, but did you know that something as simple as drinking tea can help you live longer? According to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, author of several health and wellness books, drinking certain teas can provide numerous health benefits and increase your chances of a longer life.
Manaker explains that "true teas," such as green, oolong, black, and white, contain thousands of bioactive compounds including amino acids, caffeine, lignins, proteins, xanthines, and flavonoids. One study published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) shows that consuming flavan-3-ols, a plant compound found in true teas, can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. This is great news for tea lovers as research suggests drinking two cups of green or black tea every day can achieve the recommended intake of 400-600 mg per day.
But what about those who prefer herbal teas? Don't worry, herbal teas have been known to have medicinal effects that promote health and have also been linked to longevity. According to a report published in Science of the Total Environment, polyphenols, a type of plant compound found in many herbal teas, possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties.
Whether you prefer true teas or herbal teas, here are seven of the best teas you can drink to increase your chances of living a long, healthy life. Remember, drinking the right tea can be the secret to longevity and improved overall health.
1) Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a staple in Chinese culture, offering not only a flavorful and refreshing beverage but potential health benefits as well. This tea is made from the same leaves used in the production of green and black teas, and like its counterparts, contains the powerful antioxidant compound EGCG.
According to Lauren Manaker, author of several health-focused cookbooks, oolong tea may have anti-cancer properties. In a study that looked at tea-drinking habits of ovarian cancer patients compared to controls, those who drank green and/or oolong tea had a reduced risk of 71% for ovarian cancer.
However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between tea drinking and ovarian cancer. While tea consumption can be a factor in reducing the risk, there are many other variables that can play a role in the development of this disease.
Fortunately, you don't have to go far or spend a lot of money to enjoy the potential benefits of oolong tea. With options like Twining of London's 100% Pure Oolong Tea, you can easily incorporate this tea into your routine and be one step closer to a healthier life.
2) Turmeric Tea
Turmeric, a versatile and flavorful spice, is gaining attention for its potential health benefits and its role in promoting longevity. This bright yellow spice contains a type of polyphenol called curcumin, which is said to be one of the most promising natural compounds for its potential to treat various forms of cancer.
Studies suggest that curcumin may possess anti-cancer properties and may be beneficial in the fight against certain types of cancer. However, Manaker cautions that more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these potential benefits and to confirm these findings.
Whether you add turmeric to your cooking or enjoy it in tea form, incorporating this spice into your diet may offer a tasty and easy way to potentially promote your health and support your longevity.
3) Green Tea
Green tea has been a staple drink in Asian cultures for centuries, and for good reason. This beverage, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, has been linked to a variety of health benefits that could contribute to a longer life.
But green tea isn't the only beverage that can help you live a longer, healthier life. Other teas, like matcha, offer similar health benefits and could also help you achieve a longer lifespan.
Matcha is a special variety of green tea that is made by grinding whole tea leaves into a fine powder. This process concentrates the beneficial compounds in green tea, resulting in a drink that is even more nutritious than regular green tea. In fact, one study found that matcha contains "high amounts of substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects" that could provide a range of health benefits.
Aside from matcha, other teas like black tea and oolong tea contain similar health-promoting compounds and could also help you live a longer life. The key is to incorporate these teas into your daily routine and enjoy them as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
So, if you're looking for a way to support your health and optimize your chances of living a long, healthy life, consider incorporating a daily cup of green tea or matcha into your diet. Your body, and your future self, will thank you.
4) White Tea
White tea, while not as well-known as other teas, is a source of several beneficial compounds that can support our health. According to Manaker, white teas contain higher levels of catechins, including EGCG, compared to other teas. These catechins provide antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, helping to prevent the growth of cancer cells. So, for those who want to reap the health benefits of tea but are tired of the same old options, white tea may be worth trying.
5) Black Tea
A staple in tea drinking culture, black tea may offer numerous health benefits that could enhance longevity. Manaker highlights the findings of a study that indicate regular consumption of black tea could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
"Research has found that drinking three or more cups of black tea daily could result in a 9-13% decrease in the risk of death, compared to those who do not drink tea," Manaker states. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, supports the potential of black tea to positively impact heart health and overall well-being.
6) Hibiscus Tea
Herbal tea lovers rejoice, hibiscus tea may be the key to a longer and healthier life.
According to Manaker, "Hibiscus tea offers a unique set of benefits separate from true teas, due to its distinct natural compounds."
Studies have shown that drinking hibiscus tea on a regular basis may help regulate blood pressure, a key factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Nutrition, hibiscus tea was found to have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure, regardless of age, gender, or other dietary supplements.
In addition to its blood pressure-lowering properties, hibiscus tea also boasts antiviral effects and may help regulate cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
7) Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has been extensively studied and is believed to have multiple health benefits. A study by researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that drinking chamomile tea can help reduce the risk of death in Mexican-American women over 65. According to ScienceDaily, drinking chamomile tea was "associated with a 29% decreased risk of from all causes among women compared with nonusers, even after adjusting for demographics, health conditions[,] and health behaviors."
In addition to reducing the risk of death, chamomile tea has been linked to a range of other health benefits. For instance, it may help slow down age-related bone loss, lower the risk of heart disease-related mortality, boost the immune system, and even potentially protect against certain types of cancer.
