Living longer may be made possible by drinking a particular type of tea, studies suggest.
Green tea has been earmarked as a life elixir by several leading doctors, including Dr Sarah Brewer and nutritionist Juliette Kellow.
“Tea – particularly green tea – features in the diets of some of the longest-living groups,” they wrote in the new book ‘Eat Better Live Longer’.
“Tea drinking has been linked to protection against cancer and cognitive decline,” they added.
“Plus, it’s rich in fluoride [which can help teeth].”
Green tea, originating in China, could protect against cancer according to some studies.
A 2014 analysis of several studies suggested green tea “could reduce the risk of developing mouth cancers,” according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Others have found it could reduce the risk of lung, oesophagus and bladder cancer among others.
However, CRUK said “more evidence” is needed before it can be proved that green tea prevents cancer.
“At the moment it is impossible to draw any firm conclusions,” they wrote, “different amounts of tea have been taken within studies, there is possible interaction with other treatments and there is a lack of randomised controlled clinical trials.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK, the charity campaigning for more help with dementia, said green tea “may” help prevent the condition.
The charity made the claim while referencing a study published last year in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging on green tea’s effectiveness in 957 over 75s living in Singapore.
“Nature can be a powerful source of compounds with medicinal properties, but it’s too early to conclude that tea drinking is directly linked to better brain health,” said Dr David Reynolds, Chief Scientific Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“Those who regularly drink tea may also partake in other interests and behaviours that influence their risk of memory disorders later in life.
“With one million people in the UK expected to have dementia by 2025, we must continue invest in research to inform approaches to maximise brain health into older age.”
Dr Brewer and nutritionist Kellow also suggested coffee could help extend lifespans.
“Moderate amounts of coffee (four cups a day) may confer some health gains.
“Coffee has beneficial antioxidants and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are several ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risk, the biggest form of dementia, including doing exercise.
Simple gardening or dancing can help the brain, said charity the Alzheimer’s Society.
