Is Drinking Tea Dangerous

It is documented in literature that tea has very good effects on human health due to its properties such as flavonoids that are usually present in tea. However, at the same time it is thought that when milk and sugar added to tea, its beneficial properties are destroyed.

Recently, studies and research have indicated that there are definite health benefits in drinking tea. Unfortunately the scientific evidence is poor and more research needs to be carried out at least its protective properties in relation to cardiovascular benefits. One scientific study recently published showed that there is no actual benefit from drinking tea.

The study compared 2 groups; one taking no theaflavins and other consumed one capsule of TFs and catechins. The study revealed that there was no significant lowering of the bad cholesterol seen with either theaflavins alone or the theaflavins and catechins combined.

Another interesting study associate with black tea is of major concern is in relation to breast cancer. The research compared the link between caffeinated coffee and black tea with the incidence of breast caner. The study revealed that could be a possible link between drinking black tea with breast cancer. This was suggested as there as an increase in the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status in the tumors. However, the study also concluded that there is no risk in coffee intake and breast cancer. These are interesting studies and require further investigation.

In addition, one recent study suggested that tea may weaken resistance to pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) if one is taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin. Hence it is suggested that drinking tea may not be a good idea when taking antibiotics.

References and further studies

Trautwein EA, Du Y, Meynen E, Yan X, Wen Y, Wang H, Molhuizen HO. 2009. Purified black tea theaflavins and theaflavins catechin supplements did not affect serum lipids in healthy individuals with mildly to moderately elevated cholesterol concentrations. European Journal of Nutrition.

Larsson SC, Bergkvist L, Wolk A. 2009. Coffee and black tea consumption and risk of breast cancer by estrogen and progesterone receptor status in a Swedish cohort. Cancer Causes Control.

Peng Q, Huang Y, Hou B, Hua D, Yao F, Qian Y. 2009. Green tea extract weakens the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infected mice. Phytotherapy Research.