Did you know that drinking tea can help prevent osteoporosis? A recent study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition indicated that regular tea drinkers (aged 70-85) had a 2.8% higher bone mineral density (BMD) than non-tea drinkers. Also after 4 years, tea drinkers lost only 1.6% of their total hip BMD, compared to 4% for non-drinkers.

Why the difference?

Scientists believe it is a potent antioxidant called catechin polyphenols found only in tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant. This antioxidant in tea may help decrease the inflammatory cells that break down bone and preserve the balance between bone building and bone breakdown.
While 1-2 cups per day may help, you’ll probably need at least 5 cups (decaf is OK) to reap the bone preserving benefits.

So think twice before ordering that cup of coffee at Starbucks and ask for a cup of tea instead. White tea has the highest catechin concentration. Then green, oolong, and last but not least black tea. Drink up!

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