Although high caffeine intake has been suggested to be a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD), studies in adolescent (132) and postmenopausal women (133) found no relationship between caffeine intake and bone health. In addition, research indicates that that drinking tea does not negatively affect BMD, and while it is too soon to state definitively, findings suggest that tea may even play a role in maintaining bone health. A study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that older women who drank tea (3 or more cups per day) had higher BMD measurements than those who did not drink tea . The researchers concluded that the flavonoids in tea might influence bone mass and that tea drinking may reduce the risk of osteoporosis (130). Another recent study found that regular tea-drinking was seen to have a significant beneficial effect on the BMD of adults (30 years and older), especially in those who had been regular tea-drinkers for six or more years (131)

*While tea is a naturally rich source of antioxidants, it is not a substitute for fruits or vegetables which provide a wide range of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Please consult your doctor regarding a diet/nutritional plan that is right for you.