The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has dissolved the belief that drinking tea dehydrates the body. A new study shows much the opposite, with tea now having the credentials of a rehydrator. In fact, according to UK nutritionists, drinking tea rehydrates the body as well as water does, while also creating a more effective embargo against heart disease and some cancers.

Teas are made from the best stuff on earth – flavanoids. Flavanoids are polyphenol antioxidants that help prevent cell damage in the body. According to the BBC, in order for these miracle ingredients to work, public health nutritionist Dr. Ruxton suggests drinking three to four cups of tea a day in order to cut the risk of heart attack. Tea consumption has always been linked to a decrease in cancer, such as that of the prostate. This recent study does not directly address this point with much punch however. The study did show that prevention of tooth decay and strengthening of bone density are both available benefits in tea consumption.

In fact, Dr. Ruxton goes a step further than merely recommending adding tea to your routine. She states that “Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it’s got two things going for it.” She continues by shattering an old belief that caffeinated teas and coffees dehydrate our bodies. “Even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid.” This is good news for caffeine junkies who need a morning blast of buzz with their alarm clock.
The study only showed one negative in drinking tea, that of a potential weakening of the body’s ability to absorb iron from food. For that reason, those with anaemia should avoid tea with their meals. Although the Tea Council did provide some funding for the study, Dr. Ruxton stressed that the results were totally independent and not watered down by financial bias.

These events and studies define our lives as we move forward into a hopefully healthier future. Instead of being a motionless pedestrian on the sidewalk of progress, get engaged in nutrition to live a healthier and more fulfilling life for you and those that you love. Knowledge is the gift that keeps on giving. Drink a cup of tea to that.