Drink TEA for strong bones: Just THREE cups a day slashes fracture risk by a third

THREE cups of tea a day could cut the risk of bone fractures in the elderly by almost a third, says research.

 

The finding means the nation’s favourite drink could now become a powerful weapon against osteoporosis, the bone-weakening illness that already affects around three million people in Britain. 

Drinking ordinary black tea – the type most often consumed in the UK – appears to be a potent new way to protect the body’s bones during the ageing process. 

Experts studied almost 1,200 women in their 70s over a 10-year period. 

Each was quizzed on their tea-drinking habits and then closely monitored to see if they suffered a major fracture due to osteoporosis over the next decade. 

During that period 288 of the women fell and broke a bone, with nearly half involving a hip fracture. 

 



Researchers said even one cup of tea a day appeared to cut the risk of a fracture by nine per cent



The results, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that those women who drank three or more cups of tea every day were 30 per cent less likely to have suffered a bone break than those who drank less than one cup of tea a week. 

Our results support the hypothesis that tea and its flavonoids may be protective

Dr Jonathan Hodgson, Researcher

Researchers said even one cup of tea a day appeared to cut the risk of a fracture by nine per cent. 

One in three women and one in 12 men develops osteoporosis at some point in their lives. 

Women who use steroid drugs, smoke, drink heavily and have a family history of the disease are most at risk. 

But diet is also crucial and poor eating habits during youth are thought to increase the dangers of the disease later in life. 

It progresses when osteoclasts, cells that break down old bone by removing the calcium and phosphorous that gives strength, start to outnumber osteoblasts, rival cells responsible for making healthy new bone. 

 



Foods rich in flavonoids, such as cranberries, could have protective qualities for our skeletons

Right the way through life old bone is being destroyed by osteoclasts and new bone is formed by osteoblasts. 

But after the ages of 30 to 35 there are fewer osteoblasts than osteoclasts and osteoporosis develops when the balance tips too far in favour of the osteoclasts. 

This dramatically increases the risk of fractures to major joints like the hip. 

Around 75,000 hip fractures occur in the UK each year with an annual cost estimated at £2billion for medical and social care. 

 



Figs are another superfood, rich in health-boosting flavonoids

Hip fractures are more common in women due to higher incidence of osteoporosis. British consumers get through an estimated 165 million cups of tea every day. 

The study by the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, the Royal Perth Hospital and the Flinders University of South Australia in Adelaide, was launched to test the theory that tea might improve bone density. 

Researcher Dr Jonathan Hodgson said: “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. 

“Flavonoids are a large class of phytochemicals widely distributed in plant foods and tea is the main source in many populations. 

“We have shown that a higher intake of black tea and flavonoids was associated with lower risk of fracture in elderly women. 

 

It is thought a diet with heavy flavonoid-intake could help slow the effects of Osteoperosis

“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.” 

Flavonoids are also found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. 

They protect plants against disease and some also provide the bright colours found in everyday fresh foods. 

Previous studies, for example, have suggested tomatoes – another rich source – can also prevent weakening of the bones. 

Sarah Leyland, Senior Nurse at the National Osteoporosis Society, said: “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.”