Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 9
Review Finds Green Tea Cuts Disease Risks as Bottled, Bubble Teas Add Sugar and Preservatives
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 9

Review Finds Green Tea Cuts Disease Risks as Bottled, Bubble Teas Add Sugar and Preservatives

1 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 9

Summary

  • A major review found tea—especially green tea—may help lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, cognitive decline and age-related muscle loss, while supporting longevity.
  • Catechins and other Polyphenols appear to drive those effects, with studies cited in the review linking regular tea drinking to lower blood pressure, better cholesterol and improved metabolic measures.
  • Bottled and bubble teas were flagged as weaker choices because added sugar, artificial sweeteners and preservatives can diminish or negate tea’s health benefits.
  • The review also noted possible downsides from pesticide residues, heavy metals, microplastics and reduced non-heme iron or calcium absorption, concerns most relevant to heavy drinkers and some vegetarians.
  • Published in Beverage Plant Research by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the paper says moderate intake of freshly brewed tea looks most beneficial and calls for more long-term comparisons across tea types.

Insights

If our bodies barely absorb tea's antioxidants, how can we unlock its true disease-fighting power?
Your 'healthy' tea might contain lead and pesticides. What should you look for to ensure it's actually safe to drink?
As processed teas negate health benefits, can the billion-dollar bubble tea industry create a truly healthy alternative?