Brits may be on their way to a healthy lifestyle without realising it, with a number of everyday drinks contributing to a possible long life.
We are known as a nation of tea drinkers and, as it turns out, two kinds of tea may just be what we need. Not only that, but a morning cup of Joe and even a little alcohol at night can contribute to people’s health.
In the UK, we get through a staggering 100 million cups of tea a day, but the brew doesn't just taste nice - it could have some health benefits too. Experts claim it can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, heart health, risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. Below we take a look at the drinks the longest-living folks in the world take every day to help aid them in their quest for a long life.
Green tea
Scientists at the University of Leeds last month revealed green tea contains a unique plant compound known as Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) which can break up potentially dangerous plaques in the blood vessels. It can also lower the risk of heart disease, and dementia. Drinking three cups of green tea each day - between 200ml and 250ml each - could be enough to affect your brain health.
Not only that, but regular consumption of green tea could also support bone health, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol.
Wetherspoon announces huge change to drink prices - but it won't last longThe University of Newcastle's Dr Edward Okello said: “We looked at tea consumption in people over 85 years old over a six-year period and has shown tea consumption slows down the decline of cognition over time.”
Black tea
Black tea shares several of the traits from green tea and can help protect against some chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and stroke. Helpfully, it is also better for people’s gut and digestion than the green variety.
Black coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, with around two billion cups being consumed each day.
Coffee contains caffeine, this popular beverage can help people feel less tired, increase energy levels, burn fat by jump-starting the body's metabolism, and improve productivity and brain function including memory, mood, reaction times, and general mental function. Coffee has also been found to help reduce heart disease and diabetes risk.
A previous study found: “Coffee consumption seems generally safe within usual levels of intake, with summary estimates indicating largest risk reduction for various health outcomes at three to four cups a day, and more likely to benefit health than harm.”
Red wine
Last month, a health expert professor Tim Spector gave red wine enthusiasts a reason to cheer when he said enjoying a glass or two could be 'beneficial' for your health. The nutritional scientist and professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London said: “According to some, by defending my evening glass of red, I am somehow green-lighting alcohol as a healthy drink for everyone to have every day. This, you will be unsurprised to hear, is not my professional opinion. There is always a need for balance."
Spector also highlighted scientific studies which suggest that red wine, unlike other alcoholic beverages, does have some health benefits - especially for the heart.