Tea 'healthier' drink than water

Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.
 
The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates. 

Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found. 

Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health. 

These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many foods and plants, including tea leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage.  

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They found clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day can cut the chances of having a heart attack.

Some studies suggested tea consumption protected against cancer, although this effect was less clear-cut.

Other health benefits seen included protection against tooth plaque and potentially tooth decay, plus bone strengthening.

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There was no evidence that tea consumption was harmful to health. However, research suggests that tea can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from food, meaning people at risk of anaemia should avoid drinking tea around mealtimes.


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Sleep patterns affect weight loss

Managing sleep and stress levels can help in the battle against obesity, according to scientists in the US.

People getting too little or too much sleep were less likely to lose weight in a six month study of 472 obese people.

Their report in the International Journal of Obesity showed that lower stress levels also predicted greater weight loss.

A UK sleep expert said people need to "eat less, move more and sleep well".

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The authors report that "sleep time predicted success in the weight loss programme".

People with lower stress levels at the start also lost more weight.

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