Tea Boosts Health and Longevity, But Consumption Method Matters: Study - Video

A cup of tea might be doing far more than just waking you up. A new comprehensive review suggests that tea, especially green tea, could be a powerful ally for long-term health, helping protect the heart, brain, and metabolism while lowering the risk of several chronic diseases. In contrast, trendy bottled teas and bubble teas may cancel out many of these benefits.

Published in Beverage Plant Research, the review highlights strong links between regular tea consumption and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Green tea stands out in particular, with studies showing it can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support weight management through its high levels of polyphenols called catechins.

The benefits don’t stop there. Evidence also suggests that tea drinkers—especially older adults—experience slower cognitive decline and may have some protection against Alzheimer’s-related changes. Tea catechins have even been linked to reduced age-related muscle loss, potentially helping seniors maintain strength and physical function.

However, the review draws a clear line between traditional brewed tea and modern processed versions. Bottled teas and bubble teas often contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives that may outweigh tea’s natural health effects. The authors also flag concerns about possible contaminants such as pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microplastics, though these are generally low-risk for moderate consumers.

Another point to note: tea can interfere with the absorption of nutrients like iron and calcium, which may matter for vegetarians or people with specific nutritional needs.

Overall, the message is simple—freshly brewed tea offers the most benefit. Enjoyed in moderation and without added sugars, tea could be an easy, everyday habit to support heart health, brain function, and healthy ageing, while sugary tea drinks are best treated as occasional indulgences rather than health beverages.

REFERENCE: Mingchuan Yang, Li Zhou, Zhipeng Kan, Zhoupin Fu, Xiangchun Zhang, Chung S. Yang. Beneficial health effects and possible health concerns of tea consumption: a review. Beverage Plant Research, 2025; 5 (1): 0 DOI: 10.48130/bpr-0025-0036