A new study revealed that drinking three cups of black tea everyday could slash off risk of bone fractures in older people by a third. Tea can be a potent alternative way to protect bones during aging and lower risk for osteoporosis.
According to Dr. Jonathan Hodgson, the lead researcher of the study, "There is increasing interest in the role of dietary factors in osteoporosis and fractures. There is evidence that foods rich in flavonoids - fruits, vegetables and tea - may be related to bone loss and fracture outcomes. We now have evidence that a higher intake of black tea and flavonoids is associated with a lower risk of fracture in older women."
In a 10-year study period of 1200 women in their 70s, researchers determined their tea-drinking habit and assessed if they would likely suffer from a fracture due to osteoporosis. Of the participants, 288 fell and broke a bone, with almost half suffering from hip fracture.
Findings revealed that compared with those who drank less than a cup a week, individuals who drank three or more cups each day had a lower chance of suffering bone fractures by 30 percent. They suggested that a cup per day only slashes the risk up to 9 percent.
"Our results support the hypothesis that tea and its flavonoids may be protective. Further research is needed before these results can be translated to dietary recommendations for osteoporosis prevention. But if the 30 per cent reduction in risk is confirmed, it would be a major addition to the dietary prevention of fracture," Hodgson said.
According to a report by the World Health Organization, one in every three women and one in every 12 men develop osteoporosis. In the United Kingdom alone, it has accounted for an estimated 75,000 cases per year with a total annual cost of around £2 billion.
On the other hand, diet is also an important factor to be considered as poor eating habits during childhood can also be attributed to the disease. "People are always keen to know how they can change their diet to improve their bone health. But the general health recommendations remain clear. The best way to maintain strong bones is to eat a varied, well balanced, calcium-rich diet with foods from all the main good groups, including plenty of fruit and vegetables," said National Osteoporosis Society's senior nurse Sarah Leyland.
