5<\/p>\n Brits down 100million cuppas a day \u2014 but most don\u2019t know the health benefits in their brewCredit: Getty 5<\/p>\n Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton reveals surprising health perks hidden in your daily brew<\/p>\n Here, dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton<\/a>, from the Tea Advisory Panel (teaadvisorypanel.com<\/a>), reveals the often surprising health benefits in a typical brew.\u00a0<\/p>\n HEART HEALTH: <\/strong>Regular cups of Rosie Lee are great for your ticker and could add years to your life expectancy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Proven cardiovascular benefits include lower blood pressure<\/a> \u2013 while having a daily cuppa for seven or more years, with or without milk, could cut your risk of stroke<\/a> or heart attack by up to 19 per cent<\/a> compared to other beverages.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Ruxton says:<\/strong> \u201cNatural compounds in tea, called polyphenols, help to lower blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. The sweet spot is four cups a day. <\/p>\n “Regular black tea is the best option but remember to steep it for one to two minutes to maximise the benefits.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Most don’t know that tea can actually improve our sleep and creating sweeter dreamsCredit: Getty<\/p>\n IMPROVED ZZZs: <\/strong>Most of us (87 per cent) are not aware a good brew could help us have a better night\u2019s kip<\/a> but studies have linked sipping tea to sweeter dreams. <\/p>\n Dr Ruxton says: <\/strong>\u201cPeople are often surprised when I say that a night-time cuppa is a great way to nod off.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cA recent review found just one or two cups of tea a day could help promote sleep<\/a> quality and relaxation. <\/p>\n “Try either a traditional cuppa or chamomile, lavender or valerian root tea before bed to support your sleep.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n GOOD BONES:<\/strong> Research involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking cuppas resulted in higher bone mineral density<\/a> around the hips. <\/p>\n How to make a British cup of tea <\/p>\n The brew also lowered the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.\u00a0<\/p>\n Polyphenols, found in black and green tea, are believed to be behind this. <\/p>\n Dr Ruxton says: <\/strong>\u201cWe still don\u2019t know whether tea has a specific effect on bones or just helps the body to absorb minerals.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt may even be that tea drinkers get more calcium in the form of milk in their cup\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n LESS STRESS:<\/strong> Brewing up regularly could contribute to better mental health<\/a> by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety <\/a>or symptoms of low mood. <\/p>\n Compounds in tea contributing to inner calm include the amino acid L-theanine, and neurotransmitter GABA.\u00a0<\/p>\n One study by University College London also proved a strong mug of builder\u2019s can lower cortisol levels<\/a> after a shock or stressful event.\u00a0<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Tea can even help tackle bad breathCredit: Getty<\/p>\n GREAT GNASHERS<\/strong>: Enjoy a cuppa and you may reap rewards at the dentist.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Ruxton says:<\/strong> \u201cTea polyphenols act as an anti-bacterial. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria<\/a> in the mouth meaning drinking a cuppa can help banish this. In one study, rinsing the mouth with sugar-free tea was as effective as a regular mouthwash.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n STAY SHARP: <\/strong>Brew up for a brain boost. One study of more than 4,000 people found that regular tea-drinking<\/a> was significantly associated with a lowered chance of impairments such as declining memory or problem solving in middle age and older age.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Ruxton says: <\/strong>\u201cExperts concluded that drinking tea, especially black tea, can have a positive effect on cognitive function. <\/p>\n “Just one or two cups a day provided some benefits\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n TOP TUMMIES:<\/strong> Polyphenols in tea can have a positive effect on your gut bacteria, known as the microbiome.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Ruxton says:<\/strong> \u201cThese millions of tiny bugs help us to stay healthy. <\/p>\n “A study from Japan found three cups of regular tea daily for three months boosted \u2018friendly\u2019 species of bacteria in the gut and reduced respiratory infections, like colds.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n Herbal teas, especially peppermint, ginger and chamomile also ease nausea, bloating and wind.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NINTCHDBPICT000998532008.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Portrait](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/dietician-dr-carrie-ruxton-125046886.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Teenage](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748388250_11_teenager-sleeping-bed-985244026.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/beautiful-smile-white-teeth-987918681.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/young-beautiful-couple-drinking-coffee-998533160.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n