Drinking hot tea (decaf) on a daily basis.. Any health benefits?
 

Are there any health benefits associated with drinking hot tea (decaf) on a regular basis, or is it the equivalent of drinking warm flavored water (IE, no benefit), from a health standpoint?

I have heard that there are benifits, but don't recall specifically what they are...

Green tea apparently gives some protection against throat cancer I think but it promotes some other cancer so it pretty much evens out. I haven't heard of anything else.

well, hot beverages help to supress hunger, so you might eat less. Also, you're hydrating yourself, since it's decaf.
Other than that, I can't think of anything. But I'm sure it isn't BAD for you. :thumbsup:

tea is supposed to have lots of anti-oxidants in it... i've never heard of it promoting a type of cancer, but it is supposed to help prevent it. not sure if it makes a difference if it's green tea, black tea, or if it being decaf makes a difference.

I believe green tea has the most antioxidants.

I've never heard of tea causing cancer though.

i havent heard of tea causing cancer either, but iim pretty sure just being in america causes cancer.

:lol:

Tea has antioxidants in it, green tea having the most. The kind of green tea I drink has a lot of vitamin C in it as well. I've never heard of the cancer link either.

Basically there's a study that shows drinking tea might cause cancer in men, but two other studies that dont show this -- so basically - they dont know...

http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/tea
From the NAtional Cancer Institute
ea drinking is an ancient tradition dating back 5,000 years in China and India. Long regarded in those cultures as an aid to good health, researchers now are studying tea for possible use in the prevention and treatment of a variety of cancers. Investigators are especially interested in the antioxidants-called catechins-found in tea. Despite promising early research in the laboratory, however, studies involving humans so far have been inconclusive.

1. What are antioxidants?

The human body constantly produces unstable molecules called oxidants, also commonly referred to as free radicals. To become stable, oxidants steal electrons from other molecules and, in the process, damage cell proteins and genetic material. This damage may leave the cell vulnerable to cancer. Antioxidants are substances that allow the human body to scavenge and seize oxidants. Like other antioxidants, the catechins found in tea selectively inhibit specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer. They may also target and repair DNA aberrations caused by oxidants (1).

2. What is the level of antioxidants found in tea?

All varieties of tea come from the leaves of a single evergreen plant, Camellia sinensis. All tea leaves are picked, rolled, dried, and heated. With the additional process of allowing the leaves to ferment and oxidize, black tea is produced. Possibly because it is less processed, green tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than black tea.

Although tea is consumed in a variety of ways and varies in its chemical makeup, one study showed steeping either green or black tea for about five minutes released over 80 percent of its catechins. Instant iced tea, on the other hand, contains negligible amounts of catechins (1).

3. What are the laboratory findings?

In the laboratory, studies have shown tea catechins act as powerful inhibitors of cancer growth in several ways: They scavenge oxidants before cell injuries occur, reduce the incidence and size of chemically induced tumors, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells. In studies of liver, skin and stomach cancer, chemically induced tumors were shown to decrease in size in mice that were fed green and black tea (1, 2).

4. What are the results of human studies?

Although tea has long been identified as an antioxidant in the laboratory, study results involving humans have been contradictory. Some epidemiological studies comparing tea drinkers to non-tea drinkers support the claim that drinking tea prevents cancer; others do not. Dietary, environmental, and population differences may account for these inconsistencies.

Two studies in China, where green tea is a mainstay of the diet, resulted in promising findingsOne study involving over 18,000 men found tea drinkers were about half as likely to develop stomach or esophageal cancer as men who drank little tea, even after adjusting for smoking and other health and diet factors. A second study at the Beijing Dental Hospital found consuming 3 grams of tea a day, or about 2 cups, along with the application of a tea extract reduced the size and proliferation of leukoplakia, a precancerous oral plaque .

However, a study in the Netherlands did not support these findings. It investigated the link between black tea consumption and the subsequent risk of stomach, colorectal, lung, and breast cancers among 58,279 men and 62,573 women ages 55 to 69. The study took into account such factors as smoking and overall diet. It found no link between tea consumption and protection against cancer (4).

5. Is NCI evaluating tea?

National Cancer Institute (NCI) researchers are also investigating the therapeutic use of green tea. One recently completed but unpublished NCI trial studied the antitumor effect of green tea among prostate cancer patients. The 42 patients drank 6 grams of green tea, or about 4 cups, daily for four months. However, only one patient experienced a short-lived improvement, and nearly 70 percent of the group experienced unpleasant side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. The study concluded drinking green tea has limited antitumor benefit for prostate cancer patients

I drink a lot of different hot teas. I dislike the Orange Pekoe that is commonly served in northern state's restaurants. Orange Pekoe, Earl Grey, Morning Breakfast tea, and many other black teas have fewer benefits than green teas. Black teas are made from leaves that have been allowed to ferment before being dried. That fermentation process reduces many of the antioxidants and vitamins that can be derived from drinking tea. There are many formulations of green teas that have added vitamins or inherant vitamins. I have found that drinking Red Rasberry tea seems to help suppress my appitite more than many other teas. I also thoroughly enjoy any teas with mint or camomile in them when I have a cold. The mint and camomile seem to help my sinuses more than just the hot liquid itself. Granted some of that my be psychological but it doesn't matter to me so long as it helps me feel better and isn't harmful to me.

Fennugreek tea is supposed to help digestive tract problems, Comfrey is helpful with allergies, and Eyebright is supposed to be useful in managing morning sickness and nausea in pregnant women. All of these claims have not been proven by massive studies as are conducted for standard medications and the benefits are much less dramatic than medication. Still try different teas and pay close attention to your body. See what works for you and what doesn't.

As for causing cancer - I honestly had not heard that claim but then again it seems like anything in excess can cause some sort of physical problem or cancer. Just drink it in moderation and enjoy.

I have made my own teas by drying my own leaves. Clover tea is sweet and pleasant to drink. Mullen tea has been used for ages even back to Native Americans as a remedy for lung problems (asthma, bronchitis, colds) and does seem to give some relief. Rasberry leaves make a tasty tea. There are many natural plants that can be used for teas. This site has some information on plants useful for making your own tea.