Tea May Aid Bone Health

Source: Tufts University
July 12, 2000 (Reviewed: December 11, 2002)

An article in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that the British tradition of high tea may be beneficial to bones. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England examined the tea drinking habits and bone densities of over 1200 elderly British women. They found that "tea drinkers" had stronger bones than "non-tea drinkers."

Bone strength is measured by density. The less dense or thinner one's bones, the more prone an individual is to fractures. Fractures, especially of the hip, are a major health concern in older men and women. Among lifestyle factors that contribute to strong bones are a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, and avoidance of cigarettes and excess alcohol. Now, drinking tea may be added to this list.

Researchers have long known that tea contains fluoride, an important mineral for bone development. But only recently have they determined that tea is also rich in flavonoids - plant chemicals that help to keep the body's cells healthy by acting as antioxidants. It is these chemicals that the British researchers believe were responsible for promoting bone density among the tea-drinking women in this study. Tea's flavonoids may impart other health benefits as well, such as protection from some cancers and heart disease.

So should you start your day with tea rather than coffee? Maybe. Recent studies highlighting the health promoting ingredients in tea give it a potential edge over coffee. But before you put the water on to boil, know that it is unclear how much tea you need to drink or for how long to get any health benefits. This British study only considered if the subjects drank tea currently. It did not ask about past use of tea or coffee. And people who are sensitive to caffeine should keep in mind that a cup of tea has about 35 milligrams of caffeine, one-third the amount in a cup of coffee. If you choose to drink tea, you may want to drink it English-style: with milk. Milk supplies calcium that is vital for strong bones.

Further information can be found at: The proof is in the tea leaves. American Dietetic Association

Source

• Tea drinking and bone mineral density in older women. VM. Hegarty, HM. May, K-T. Khaw, Am J Clin Nutrit, 2000, vol. 71, pp. 1003--1007