Latest news with #CarrieRuxton
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Boosting your sex drive, great gnashers and six other surprising health benefits from your daily cup of tea
PUT the kettle on, it is time to raise a toast to the humble cuppa. More than 100million cups of char are consumed daily in the UK, but new research shows four out of five of us are unaware of the health benefits contained in our mugs. Advertisement 5 Brits down 100million cuppas a day — but most don't know the health benefits in their brew Credit: Getty 5 Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton reveals surprising health perks hidden in your daily brew Here, dietitian HEART HEALTH: Regular cups of Rosie Lee are great for your ticker and could add years to your life expectancy. Proven cardiovascular benefits include Dr Ruxton says: 'Natural compounds in tea, called polyphenols, help to lower blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. The sweet spot is four cups a day. Advertisement READ MORE HEALTH NEWS "Regular black tea is the best option but remember to steep it for one to two minutes to maximise the benefits.' 5 Most don't know that tea can actually improve our sleep and creating sweeter dreams Credit: Getty IMPROVED ZZZs: Most of us (87 per cent) are not aware a good brew could help us have a better night's kip but studies have linked sipping tea to sweeter dreams. Dr Ruxton says: 'People are often surprised when I say that a night-time cuppa is a great way to nod off. Advertisement 'A recent review found just one or two cups of tea a day could help promote sleep quality and relaxation. Most read in Health "Try either a traditional cuppa or chamomile, lavender or valerian root tea before bed to support your sleep.' GOOD BONES: Research involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking cuppas resulted in How to make a British cup of tea The brew also lowered the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Advertisement Polyphenols, found in black and green tea, are believed to be behind this. Dr Ruxton says: 'We still don't know whether tea has a specific effect on bones or just helps the body to absorb minerals. 'It may even be that tea drinkers get more calcium in the form of milk in their cup'. LESS STRESS: Brewing up regularly could contribute to better mental health by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety or symptoms of low mood. Advertisement Compounds in tea contributing to inner calm include the amino acid L-theanine, and neurotransmitter GABA. One study by University College London also proved a strong mug of builder's can lower 5 Tea can even help tackle bad breath Credit: Getty GREAT GNASHERS : Enjoy a cuppa and you may reap rewards at the dentist. Advertisement Dr Ruxton says: 'Tea polyphenols act as an anti-bacterial. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria 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.' STAY SHARP: Brew up for a brain boost. One study of more than 4,000 people found that regular Dr Ruxton says: 'Experts concluded that drinking tea, especially black tea, can have a positive effect on cognitive function. "Just one or two cups a day provided some benefits'. Advertisement TOP TUMMIES: Polyphenols in tea can have a positive effect on your gut bacteria, known as the microbiome. Dr Ruxton says: 'These millions of tiny bugs help us to stay healthy. "A study from Japan found three cups of regular tea daily for three months boosted 'friendly' species of bacteria in the gut and reduced respiratory infections, like colds.' Herbal teas, especially peppermint, ginger and chamomile also ease nausea, bloating and wind. Advertisement 5 Looking to up the ante in the bedroom - grab a cup of black tea Credit: Getty DRINK FOR DESIRE: A tea break could One study found black tea can elevate testosterone, which has been shown to increase libido levels in men and women. And many herbal teas are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, particularly ginseng. Advertisement
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over 4 in 5 Brits fail to connect tea with these 5 science-backed health benefits: Tea Advisory Panel Reports
Experts share 5 benefits of a brew in time for International Tea Day - 21st May LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, the 21st of May marks International Tea Day – a day the United Nations has designated as an opportunity to celebrate not only tea's cultural heritage and importance to economies around the world, but also the health benefits that come from brewing up. This year it coincides with the publishing of a new real-world research survey[1] of over 1,000 Brits, reviewed by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP; The survey results shine a harsh light on our lack of knowledge of the health benefits of regular tea drinking, with over four in five Brits failing to make the link between their daily cuppa and benefits to their heart health, brain health, bone health, mental health, and sleep. Heart and blood vessel health"The new TAP review reveals worrying insights into people's perceptions surrounding the health benefits of enjoying several daily cuppas," comments Registered Dietitian and TAP member Dr Carrie Ruxton, continuing, "For example, 84% didn't associate drinking tea with improving heart health and 83% didn't associate it with lowering blood pressure."This is despite the latest scientific evidence backing up this benefit. For example, a recent meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials – the gold standard of scientific evidence – found that foods rich in specific polyphenols, called flavan-3-ols, considerably lower raised blood pressure and improve blood vessel function.[2] A major source of these polyphenols is tea."This super study on dietary sources of flavan-3-ols provides evidence that including tea in the diet is a good way to help prevent heart disease – the number one global killer,"[3] says fellow TAP member and tea expert Dr Tim Bond, adding, "What's more, the publishing of the new TAP review in line with International Tea Day highlights the fact that we have an important job to do in raising awareness of the health benefits of a brew this year. Too few people know that popping on the kettle can have a far-reaching effect on their wellbeing." Relaxation and sleepIn addition to heart health, there are also benefits relating to how well we sleep but 87% didn't make the link between drinking tea and improved TAP member, researcher and nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire comments, "This poor knowledge of tea's potential in helping us get a good night's rest – essential to overall good health – comes despite solid science to back up the link. For example, a recent super study of human trials and mechanistic studies found a growing body of evidence that just one or two cups of tea a day, including green, oolong, and herbal infusions, could help support sleep and help us to relax."[4] Mental healthScientific evidence that tea supports our mental health is also stacking up. Yet, 67% didn't associate drinking tea with reducing stress or anxiety and 86% didn't make the connection between tea drinking and easing low mood or depression."People simply aren't aware of the science despite the potentially grave consequences for our physical and mental health," says Dr Carrie Ruxton, adding, "For example, a recent review of the latest scientific evidence suggests that certain active ingredients in tea could help reduce the effects of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. These substances include L-theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), arginine, catechins, theaflavins, caffeine, theacrine, and a number of volatile compounds."[5] Brain health"When it comes to keeping our brain healthy, a study of more than 4,000 people found that regular tea drinking was significantly associated with a lower chance of having cognitive impairment in middle age and older age," explains Dr Tim impairment is an umbrella term for problems with memory, understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving. Frequent tea drinking and drinking green tea in particular were noted to be especially beneficial in this study.[6] However, 91% of TAP study review respondents didn't make the connection between drinking tea and better cognitive health. Bone healthResearch also shows that tea is supportive of our skeletal system. For example, as Dr Bond Tim explains, "A super study of 18 individual studies involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking tea resulted in higher bone mineral density around the hips. Drinking tea also lowered their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures."[7]Despite this scientific evidence to back tea's bone supporting capabilities, when polled, 94% of respondents to the latest TAP data review didn't associate drinking tea with supporting bone Carrie Ruxton concludes, "The latest TAP data review demonstrates how much of a worrying knowledge gap exists between Brits' understanding of the health benefits of a brew and the latest scientific research. International Tea Day is a chance for us to raise awareness of the boost we can all give to the health of our hearts, brains, and bones – as well as to reducing our risk of poor sleep and mental health problems – simply by sticking the kettle on for a regular cuppa throughout the day." SEE The Tea Advisory Panel: The Tea Advisory Panel is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the UK TEA & INFUSIONS ASSOCIATION, the trade association for the UK tea industry. The Panel has been created to provide media with impartial information regarding the health benefits of tea. Panel members include nutritionists; dieticians and doctors. [1] Perspectus Global; April 2025;1015 respondents [2] Lagou V, et al. (2025). Impact of flavan-3-ols on blood pressure and endothelial function in diverse populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, zwaf173, [3] [4] Derbyshire E, et al. (2023) Tea and Herbal Infusions, Psychological Stress, Anxiety & Sleep Health: A Systematic Review of Human Trials & Mechanistic Studies. Nutr Food Technol Open Access 9(1): [5] Han Z., et al. (2024). Uncovering the effects and mechanisms of tea and its components on depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders: A comprehensive review. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 197(Pt 1), 115191. [6] Zhang, J., et al. (2020). Association between tea consumption and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults. BMC geriatrics, 20(1), 447. [7] Zhang, et al. (2025). Tea consumption and bone health in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of osteoporosis, 20(1), 20. View original content: SOURCE Tea Advisory Panel Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Over 4 in 5 in Scotland fail to connect tea with these 5 science-backed health benefits
Every year, the 21st of May marks International Tea Day – a day the United Nations has designated as an opportunity to celebrate not only tea's cultural heritage and importance to economies around the world, but also the health benefits that come from brewing up. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Every year, the 21st of May marks International Tea Day – a day the United Nations has designated as an opportunity to celebrate not only tea's cultural heritage and importance to economies around the world, but also the health benefits that come from brewing up. This year it coincides with the publishing of a new real-world research survey of over 1,000 Brits, reviewed by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP; The survey results shine a harsh light on our lack of knowledge of the health benefits of regular tea drinking, with over four in five in Scotland failing to make the link between their daily cuppa and benefits to their heart health, brain health, bone health, mental health, and sleep. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Heart and blood vessel health Cup of tea 'The new TAP review reveals worrying insights into people's perceptions surrounding the health benefits of enjoying several daily cuppas,' comments Registered Dietitian and TAP member Dr Carrie Ruxton, continuing, 'For example, 90% didn't associate drinking tea with improving heart health, with the same number (90%) not associating it with lowering blood pressure.' This is despite the latest scientific evidence backing up this benefit. For example, a recent meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials – the gold standard of scientific evidence – found that foods rich in specific polyphenols, called flavan-3-ols, considerably lower raised blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. A major source of these polyphenols is tea. 'This super study on dietary sources of flavan-3-ols provides evidence that including tea in the diet is a good way to help prevent heart disease – the number one global killer,' says fellow TAP member and tea expert Dr Tim Bond, adding, 'What's more, the publishing of the new TAP review in line with International Tea Day highlights the fact that we have an important job to do in raising awareness of the health benefits of a brew this year. Too few people know that popping on the kettle can have a far-reaching effect on their wellbeing.' Relaxation and sleep Woman drinking cup of tea In addition to heart health, there are also benefits relating to how well we sleep but 97% didn't make the link between drinking tea and improved sleep. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fellow TAP member, researcher and nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire comments, 'This poor knowledge of tea's potential in helping us get a good night's rest – essential to overall good health – comes despite solid science to back up the link. For example, a recent super study of human trials and mechanistic studies found a growing body of evidence that just one or two cups of tea a day, including green, oolong, and herbal infusions, could help support sleep and help us to relax.' Mental health Scientific evidence that tea supports our mental health is also stacking up. Yet, 48% didn't associate drinking tea with reducing stress or anxiety and 58% didn't make the connection between tea drinking and easing low mood or depression. 'People simply aren't aware of the science despite the potentially grave consequences for our physical and mental health,' says Dr Carrie Ruxton, adding, 'For example, a recent review of the latest scientific evidence suggests that certain active ingredients in tea could help reduce the effects of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. These substances include L-theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), arginine, catechins, theaflavins, caffeine, theacrine, and a number of volatile compounds.' Brain health 'When it comes to keeping our brain healthy, a study of more than 4,000 people found that regular tea drinking was significantly associated with a lower chance of having cognitive impairment in middle age and older age,' explains Dr Tim Bond. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cognitive impairment is an umbrella term for problems with memory, understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving. Frequent tea drinking and drinking green tea in particular were noted to be especially beneficial in this study. However, 95% of TAP study review respondents in Scotland didn't make the connection between drinking tea and better cognitive health. Bone health Research also shows that tea is supportive of our skeletal system. For example, as Dr Bond Tim explains, 'A super study of 18 individual studies involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking tea resulted in higher bone mineral density around the hips. Drinking tea also lowered their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.' Despite this scientific evidence to back tea's bone supporting capabilities, when polled, 98% of Scottish respondents to the latest TAP data review didn't associate drinking tea with supporting bone health. Dr Carrie Ruxton concludes, 'The latest TAP data review demonstrates how much of a worrying knowledge gap exists between Brits' understanding of the health benefits of a brew and the latest scientific research. International Tea Day is a chance for us to raise awareness of the boost we can all give to the health of our hearts, brains, and bones – as well as to reducing our risk of poor sleep and mental health problems – simply by sticking the kettle on for a regular cuppa throughout the day.'
