Children should start drinking tea aged four to combat obesity and stress, study finds

Drinking tea from the age of four helps children to combat obesity, stress and heart disease, according to a new study.

It also found that the benefits of a daily cup of tea include reducing the risk of stroke among elderly people and acting as a substitute for sugary drinks.

Compounds such as flavonoid phenolics, L-theanine and caffeine, which helps with concentration and cognitive function, can be found in both green and black tea.

The study, published in the Nutrition and Food Technology journal, examined the results of 60 different scientific studies into tea and its health benefits.

Dr Pamela Mason, who authored the study, said: “Studies show that benefits for health and wellbeing are seen at daily intakes of two to four cups – and it doesn’t matter whether you choose regular black tea, or green tea.

“Whilst the polyphenol compounds in tea have attracted the most attention for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, other compounds in tea are also important.

“These include L-theanine and caffeine which have been proven to influence the brain and cognitive function by improving alertness and helping us to maintain concentration levels.”

The research found that consuming Camellia sinensis, the plant which tea is made from, over a lifetime can also boost the immune system and improve cardiovascular health.

Dr Mason also advised parents should give tea to their children from the age of four instead of sweet and fizzy drinks.

The caffeine in tea was outweighed by the hydration and flavonoids it provides.

Dr Tim Bond, from the Tea Advisory Panel, which independently commissioned the research, said: “We know that tea drinking is a marker of reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and dying from a stroke or heart attack but we also understand why.

“Clinical and laboratory studies show that tea polyphenols limit cholesterol absorption in the gut and target receptors which regulate blood cholesterol levels.

“Tea polyphenols also relax blood vessel smooth muscle and boost nitric oxide levels – both of which help to lower blood pressure. Tea is also a potent antioxidant and can lower inflammation in the body.”

The study found that L-theanine, an amino acid unique to tea, helps relaxation, reduces stress and in combination with caffeine influences brain functions such as alertness and concentration.

Flavonoid polyphenols, particularly one called EGCG, which is the dominant phenolic compound in green tea, can boost nitric oxide levels which lowers blood pressure.

It is also an antioxidant that lowers inflammation, reducing risk of heart and vascular disease as well as strokes.