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The whole truth about the benefits of tea
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Many people have probably heard about the benefits of tea, because its healing properties are talked about on TV screens, numerous studies and specialists are discovering new properties of this drink - and all this is on our lips. It is believed that tea lowers cholesterol levels and even fights cancer. But is this really true and how true are these statements?
Sometimes it seems that tea is a real magic elixir of health, youth and energy. It can have a beneficial effect on the heart, it is used as a preventive measure against diabetes and dementia, as well as the development of malignant tumors. Indeed, one cannot argue with the fact that tea contains antioxidants that help fight many diseases, and this is already promising, so advertisers do not skimp on the praise of the invigorating drink and are actively promoting its beneficial properties. However, researchers can barely keep up with this pace, and are not able to provide a report on the real possibilities of tea.
What is the secret of tea's unprecedented popularity?
First, it should be noted that when scientists talk about tea, they are only talking about green, black, white, and red tea. All of these types of tea are made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis. Chamomile, herbal, or mint tea are tinctures and are not technically considered teas.
All four of the above types of tea differ from each other in the degree of maturity of the leaves and the method of their preparation. Black tea is prepared using withered, oxidized leaves - that is, the chemical elements that make up the leaf have not changed under the influence of air. Green tea is prepared by drying the leaves, but in this case they are not oxidized. Red tea (oolong) is partially oxidized and dried, and white tea is not subject to these processes at all.
Each of these types of tea is a source of polyphenols - antioxidants that protect cells from DNA damage that causes cancer and other diseases. That is why tea has become a very popular drink for studying and researching its new beneficial properties. Experts are trying to find out how powerful the chemical potential of tea is and which part of it has an antiviral effect.
Read also: Green tea improves quality of life in old age
Most researchers have turned their attention to black and green tea. Their consumption level worldwide is 75%, and it is very popular among the Japanese and Chinese.
Read also: Green tea will save you from breast cancer
Green tea is especially rich in antioxidants. Experts highlight catechin, a type of polyphenol, and its subtype, epigallocatechin-3-gallate. This explains its popularity among scientists and, as a result, people hear more about the benefits of green tea than black tea.
Myths and speculations
A large-scale analysis of 51 studies that looked at green tea confirms that drinking it three to five times a day can reduce the risk of prostate, lung, ovarian and colorectal cancer, but has no effect on breast cancer.
Read also: Green tea - fuel for the brain
As for black tea, the researchers indicate that it "most likely" may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and "may" be effective as a preventative for colorectal and stomach cancer.
Experts agree that a few cups of tea a day won't hurt and will probably help fight disease, especially if you're trying to limit your caffeine intake. But if you have an unhealthy lifestyle and bad habits, you shouldn't expect a cup of tea to protect you and cure you of all your diseases.