Longevity and Aging

Longevity and Aging

Long ago in China, tea was an ingredient in immortality potions favored by the Taoists, who were keen on that subject. Still today, perhaps as an echo of those beliefs, claims are made that tea drinking helps one to live to a ripe oils ages. While it is no magic fountain of youth, some of its benefits can be said to contribute to longevity (stimulation of bodily functions, strengthening the immune system, reducing the chance of heart disease and improving stomach functions). The fluoride in tea can strengthen bones and help ward off osteoporosis in the same way that it strengthens dental enamel. Investigation into whether tea has any further effect on longevity and, if so, why, is only just beginning.

Chinese researchers found that 1% jasmine tea extended the life of fruit flies to 40.5 days, more than double that of the control group, which drank plain water and had a life span of 16.5 days. On a 5% solution they lived 28.6 days. Oolong tea, in other tests, doubled the lifespan.

Thus far, it is not understood what compounds in tea could have this effect on inserts, and it would obviously require much additional research to determine whether such reported effects of tea on the span of insects' lives could be duplicated in an entirely different species.

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