This review confirms that tea, especially green tea, plays an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Tea’s neuroprotective effects, ability to reduce muscle weakness in the elderly, and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties further highlight its potential health-promoting properties. However, the study also identified potential health concerns, particularly with bottled and bubble tea, which may contain harmful additives such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis has been consumed around the world for centuries, first for its medicinal properties and then as a popular beverage. It is rich in polyphenols, especially catechins, which have long been known to have health benefits. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the effects of tea on various health conditions, supported by both experiments and human studies. Despite extensive research on green tea, there is limited information regarding the effects of other types of tea, such as black tea, oolong tea, and white tea, especially when comparing their health benefits. Additionally, it addresses health concerns caused by additives and contaminants found in some commercial tea beverages.
a study Published in Beverage plant research The team of Mingchuan Yang and Li Zhou from the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlights the need for further research to better understand tea’s health benefits and risks.
This review takes a closer look at the various health conditions associated with tea consumption. Green tea has attracted attention for its cardiovascular protective effects, lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. Multiple cohort studies have also shown that regular tea consumption may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, CVD, and certain cancers. Additionally, we discuss the role of tea in weight management and the potential of tea in controlling diabetes, with evidence suggesting that green tea catechins can aid weight loss in obese individuals and improve metabolic parameters. Notably, tea also shows promise for neuroprotection and muscle mass preservation. Studies have shown that regular tea drinkers have a lower prevalence of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, especially in older adults. Similarly, tea catechins may prevent muscle loss in older adults and contribute to improved physical performance and muscle strength. However, although tea has many benefits, commercial tea products such as bottled tea and bubble tea often contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, which can reduce or negate the health benefits. Additionally, concerns have been raised about pesticide residues, heavy metals and microplastics in tea. Although these contaminants do not pose a significant health risk with regular consumption, they are still a concern for people who drink large amounts of tea over the long term. Additionally, this review also addresses the issue of inhibition of nutrient absorption, particularly by non-heme iron and calcium, which may affect people who follow a vegetarian diet or have specific nutritional needs.
Although the health benefits of tea are clear, it should be consumed sparingly in processed products such as bottled tea and bubble tea, which contain added sugar and preservatives. The results of this review suggest that moderate consumption of traditional brewed tea may be beneficial for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others. Future research focusing on the long-term health effects of different types of tea and the impact of contaminants will help further our understanding of the health benefits and risks of tea.
