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Us Brits are known for our unrivalled love of tea. In fact, we consume around 10 million cups every day.
The hot beverage is not only a staple part of many people’s diets but also a comfort drink, offered for virtually any occasion.
While we certainly drink a lot of tea in the UK, experts have revealed we should be drinking more.
According to a new study, compounds found in tea could reduce the risk of some chronic diseases by as much as a fifth. Flavan-3-ols, a type of flavonoids, in tea were linked to lower blood pressure as well as a reduced risk for heart problems, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
These flavonoids could reduce the risk of developing chronic disease by 19 percent and reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 13 percent.
The new review of the scientific research was published in Nutrition and Food Technology and authored by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP).
One of the study’s co-authors, Dr Tim Bond, explained: “The evidence for the health benefits of consuming tea flavonoids is great news, especially to a nation of tea lovers.
“But worrying data from YouGov shows that fewer than a fifth of Brits are hitting the optimal tea target of more than 20 cups a week, which we need to drink to reach the ideal flavonoid intakes.
“For the sake of our health, perhaps it’s time to add a target for flavonoids to the usual dietary guidelines for vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre and fat."
As reported by Gloucestershire Live, dietitian and TAP member Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “This new research reveals several health benefits for those who get a daily dose of flavonoids, including anti-diabetic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, preventing muscle loss and treating viral respiratory tract infections."
Flavonoids are found in plants and are needed for their growth and development.
These substances also tend to be responsible for the colour and contribute to the flavour of fruits, vegetables and other plants.
The new study suggests that, within the flavonoids group, it’s a sub-type called flavan-3-ols that we consume the most in our diets.
“Average intakes of flavonoids in Europe are between 313mg a day and 428mg a day, according to the data,” says the study’s co-author and nutritionist Dr Pamela Mason.
“Unsurprisingly, Brits get the bulk of their flavonoids from tea. This is in contrast to countries in southern Europe where people tend to take in most of their daily dose of flavonoids from fruit.”
Dr Bond added: “Studies from the United States suggest that tea could be an important component of a healthy, balanced diet.
“Their figures show a stark difference in flavonoid intakes between tea drinkers, who are getting 698mg a day, compared with non-tea drinkers who only get 33mg a day.”
The findings come after an expert panel convened by the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics said that increasing flavan-3-ol intakes could have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.
The American expert panel recommended a guideline for including foods, such as tea and fruits, in the diet.
Other good courses of flavan-3-ols include apples, pears, and berries.
But the new study shows that tea outstrips the rest in terms of flavan-3-ols per 100g.
Source: Https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1867377/heart-disease-risk-slash-drink-tea
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