Tea for your eyes: Research finds a daily cup of hot tea reduces the risk of glaucoma by a shocking 74%

Good news for anyone who is a fan of tea — research indicates that a daily cup of tea may reduce the likelihood of glaucoma.

According to a study made by researchers from the University of California, people who drink tea at least once a day “are 74 percent less likely” to be diagnosed with glaucoma, a disease which affects an estimated 2.72 million people in the U.S. alone.

Interestingly enough, researchers found that coffee, tea, and soft drinks do not have the same effect as tea.

Glaucoma is a condition wherein fluid pressure builds up inside the eye (interocular pressure), which in turn, can damage the optic nerve. According to the World Health Organization, the condition is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

The study, which was published in the British Journal of Opthalmology, used data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an annual survey done in the U.S., which compiled data and tests in order to provide an accurate picture of the health and nutritional status of adults and children. Among the 10,000 samples in the NHANES, at least 1,678 participants were able to have full eye test results, with 84 adults noted to have developed the condition.

Data were then gathered to indicate their drinking habits, particularly when it comes to caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks, using a questionnaire. Results indicated that almost half of the participants had reported drinking coffee often; however, only less than 10 percent drank hot tea daily.

“Tea drinkers should keep drinking and don’t need to stop because of a fear of glaucoma,” lead author Dr. Anne Coleman said. “This makes sense, but we’ll see if it holds up in future studies.”

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Benefits of drinking tea

Drinking tea, particularly green tea, is rich with antioxidants that have powerful benefits in the human body. Here are some benefits consuming green tea has for our bodies.

• It contains bioactive compounds — Green tea contains loads of important nutrients. Some of these include polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. These nutrients aid in reducing the number of harmful free radicals in our body, as well as protect our cells and molecules from damage.
• It can improve brain function — Green tea is a stimulant. It contains just the right amount of caffeine to keep you awake without making you feel jittery. However, green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can increase dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
• It increases fat burning and physical performance — Green tea has been shown to increase metabolism and short-term fat burning.
• It contains antioxidants that may lower the risk of certain cancers — Green tea contains potent antioxidants that are known to combat developing cancer cells, particularly of the breast, prostate, and colorectal varities.
• It may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in old age — The catechin compounds in green tea have been seen in animals studies to protect the neurons, decreasing the likelihood of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• It can kill bacteria in your mouth and improve dental health — Polyphenols in green tea, most notable is catechin, can kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. In addition to this, green tea may also reduce bad breath.
• It may lower the risk of getting type-2 diabetes – Green tea has been known to reduce blood sugar levels — a usual problem for those living with the condition. (Related: Scientists discover how polyphenols in green tea may protect health of diabetics.)

To learn more about tea and its other benefits to the human body, go to Natural.news today.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

BMJ.com

Reuters.com

Healthline.com