SCIENCE
Why tea drinkers live longer
This ancient beverage does more than hydrate—it’s packed with antioxidants and compounds that boost your health, focus, and longevity. A steaming cup of tea holds more than flavor—it’s a source of hydration, focus, and antioxidants that support heart health, digestion, and stress relief. Photograph by Alex Treadway, Nat Geo Image Collection
January 9, 2025
Tea is one of the world’s most popular drinks , second only to water, and for good reason. This nutritional powerhouse is celebrated for its calming effects, bold flavors, and impressive health benefits.
“Tea is calorie-free and very rich in antioxidants,” says Whitney Linsenmeyer , a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
These properties help lower the risk of stroke, improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and boost immune function. In fact, a 2022 study found that regular tea drinkers had a nine-13 percent lower risk of death over a decade compared to non-drinkers.
So, what makes a simple cup of tea so powerful? Here’s what happens to your body when you drink it. Tea leaves harvested in Uva Province, Sri Lanka. Processing methods and harvest timing, from early-picked white tea to mature black tea, shape their unique flavors and health benefits. How tea helps with focus and stress relief
Drinking tea can be an effective pick-me-up, thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which improves alertness without the jitters associated with coffee, says Jennie Norton, a registered dietitian at RET Physical Therapy . Unlike a cup of joe, caffeine from tea is absorbed more slowly, providing steady energy for a more extended period of time.( You actually can consume too much caffeine. Here are the risks .)Meanwhile, L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid found almost exclusively in tea, promotes relaxation and enhances cognitive performance. Numerous studies show that L-theanine, enhances concentration, improves memory retention, helps with stress , and may protect against chronic diseases . Buzz Into Learning! Nat Geo Little Kids Bug Bundle BUY NOW “It also gives you a little bit of umami,” a savory flavor that enhances the taste of food, says Quan Vuong […]
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