The study suggests that caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and cocoa promote mental function, and increase alertness, feelings of well-being and short-term memory.
To reach this conclusion, an independent dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton from King’s College, London carried out a review of 47 published studies and found that a daily intake of eight cups of tea delivered "key benefits in terms of mental function and heart health" without any adverse consequences.
Ruxton particularly highlighted three studies involving 90,000 patients who regularly consumed four cups of tea or coffee a day.
All these patients were found to be at a reduced risk of heart problems, noted Ruxton.
Ruxton said that those who avoid tea may be doing more harm to their body.
"People who cut out caffeinated drinks may miss out on the potential health benefits of the compounds they contain," she said.
Health benefits of tea
Tea is said to contain healthy antioxidant properties and high flavonoid content which helps in preventing heart diseases and also cuts down the risk of some cancers.
These antioxidants
help in phasing out unwanted compounds from the body.
Dr. Catherine Hood, from the Tea Advisory Panel, said, "Caffeinated drinks have been unfairly demonised. Black tea, in particular, contains polyphenols, which are natural plant antioxidants. These have beneficial effects on many biochemical processes in the body because they protect cells against harmful free radicals.
"Flavonoids are thought to be especially useful, with a number of studies reporting a link between them and lower risk of heart attack."
In contrast to what health experts recommend otherwise, Ruxton said that children can also consume caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee.
However, the quantity of caffeine intake for the children could be limited to 95mg, which is equal to two small cups of tea.
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