Tea Boosts Health and Longevity - But How and When You Drink It Matters

Tea is among the most consumed beverages across the world, and especially in India, where it even has an emotional connection. Celebrated for centuries for its soothing qualities and health benefits, tea

has many benefits, which include regulating heart health, boosting metabolism, and even strengthening your immunity levels. However, according to experts, the true positives of tea do not just depend on what you drink, but even how you drink it matters as much.

What is the best time to have tea?

While drinking tea throughout the day can be beneficial, excessive intake, especially late in the evening, disrupts sleep as it is high in caffeine. Poor sleep, in turn, can lead to deadly conditions like heart disease, cognitive decline, and even reduced longevity. Experts recommend limiting caffeinated tea in the late afternoon and evening and opting for herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint at night. If you like taking milk or black tea, have it before lunchtime - ideally after breakfast. Also, you must take around two to three cups a day.

Tea temperature also matters

One of the most common factors that gets overlooked when drinking tea is how hot you drink it. Very hot beverages, especially those consumed above 65°C, have been linked to an increased risk of esophageal damage and even cancer. According to Cancer Research, UK, drinking tea piping hot can irritate the lining of the throat and food pipe over the years. Letting tea cool slightly before sipping may preserve its health benefits while reducing long-term risk.

What are the benefits of drinking tea?

Tea is loaded with natural compounds known as polyphenols - especially flavonoids and catechins – which reduce inflammation, protect cells from oxidative damage, and support blood vessel health. Various studies, including those published by the National Institutes of Health, have shown that people who drink tea regularly may have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Consumption of green tea, especially, is associated with improved metabolic health and brain function, while black tea has been linked to better cholesterol levels and cardiovascular protection. Over time, these effects may contribute to increased longevity.Also read: Why Is Black Coffee Better Than Tea?

Brewing it adds to health effects

You must make sure to never over-brew your tea or use boiling water, which destroys delicate antioxidants, making it taste bitter. And this is the reason most people also add sugar to it. So, it is important to brew at the right temperature, which is low for green tea and high for black tea, for the correct duration, which preserves beneficial compounds. Using loose-leaf tea rather than heavily processed tea bags may also increase antioxidant content.