Hello hydration
Our body is made up of 70% fluid and we need to ensure we replace fluid regularly to prevent dehydration. Studies have shown that when we are dehydrated we are less alert, less able to concentrate, more tired, moodier and less effective at physical activity. We should drink between 1.5 and 2.5 litres of fluids a day. The good news is that tea can contribute towards your daily fluid intake.
A recent report by the British Dietetic Association concluded that caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee support hydration. In the US, a team of highly respected independent scientists reviewed an array of commonly consumed beverages and graded them for their healthiness with respect to hydration and goodness. Water - not surprisingly- came top, but the scientists also found that tea was the next best drink to water. Drinking six cups of tea a day is good for hydration and can contribute to your daily fluid requirements.
Itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeney, really very small print:
1. Tea catechins and polyphenols: health effects, metabolism and antioxidant functions. Higdon J and Frei B. Clinical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2003, 43(1), 89-143
2. Black Tea- helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence. Gardner EJ, Ruxton CHS and Leeds AR. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007, 61, 3-18.
