Tea Advisory Panel

Afternoon Tea Week (10–16 August) is the perfect excuse to pause, put the kettle on and enjoy one of Britain's favourite traditions. But while tea has long been associated with catching up over a slice of cake or enjoying five minutes of peace, growing evidence suggests your daily brew could be supporting your health in ways many people don't realise.

A new real-world research survey[1] reviewed by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) (www.teaadvisorypanel.com) reveals that tea is increasingly valued not just as a comforting drink, but as part of a healthier lifestyle. The independent survey of 1,000 UK adults found that 90% say sitting down with a cup of tea makes them feel better, while almost one in four people (24%) reach for tea when feeling stressed - more than those choosing chocolate (18%) or even a glass of wine (13%).

With modern life becoming increasingly hectic, these findings suggest that tea offers something many of us desperately need: permission to stop, slow down and reset.

More than comfort
Most people find solace in a warming cuppa. What’s less well known is that tea contains a unique combination of plant compounds known as flavonoids, alongside a natural relaxation compound, L-theanine. Research suggests these ‘tea bioactives’ can contribute to cardiovascular health[2], cognitive performance and stress reduction[3].

Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian and member of TAP, says: "Tea is much more than a comforting drink. It's naturally rich in plant bioactives called flavonoids, which have been linked with benefits for heart health, blood vessel function² and healthy ageing[4].

“Black and green teas also contain L-theanine, a unique amino acid that appears to promote focus and relaxation without causing drowsiness.³ That’s why making time for a cup of tea can benefit both your physical and mental wellbeing."

Checking that snacking habit
The TAP survey review also found that many people believe tea supports healthier eating habits. More than a third (35%) said drinking tea helps keep their mind off food, while 30% felt it reduced the urge to snack.

Around a quarter said tea helped them feel fuller (27%), gave them greater control over eating habits (23%) or encouraged healthier food choices (22%).

While tea isn't a magic solution for weight management, swapping sugary drinks for unsweetened black or green tea is a simple way to reduce calorie intake while staying hydrated.

Dr Carrie Ruxton explains: “People often underestimate the small daily habits that support a healthy weight. Replacing high-calorie drinks with tea can help reduce overall energy intake, while the ritual of making a cup of tea can interrupt mindless snacking. Combined with a balanced diet and regular activity, it's a positive habit that's easy to maintain."

A simple stress-busting ritual
One reason tea may be so effective is that it's as much about the ritual as the drink itself. Preparing tea naturally encourages people to pause for a few minutes, step away from screens and take a mental break.

According to the TAP review survey, 81% of people say tea is relevant to their daily routine, while 78% find it particularly valuable during busy or stressful periods. Three quarters (76%) also associate tea with helping when they feel tired or low in energy.

GP Dr Nisa Aslam, a TAP member, says: "Many patients tell me they struggle to find time to relax during busy days. Building in a short tea break can be surprisingly beneficial because it combines hydration with a few mindful minutes away from work or household pressures. Small moments of recovery throughout the day are increasingly recognised as being important for supporting mental wellbeing."

Women's health benefits
Tea is also viewed positively for women's wellbeing. Seven in ten people (69%) agree that drinking tea can support women's health and wellbeing. Relaxation and calm (50%), emotional wellbeing (43%) and stress management (29%) were the three most commonly recognised benefits. Around one in four also associated tea with menstrual relief or hormone balance. Dr Nisa Aslam says: “A new meta-analysis[5] which pooled the results of seven different studies found that women who regularly drink green tea tend to have lower cholesterol levels. A 2026 review[6] published in Critical Reviews of Food Science and Nutrition highlighted that tea has the potential to protect bone health during ageing.”

The Tea Advisory Panel: The Tea Advisory Panel is supported by an restricted educational grant from the UK TEA & INFUSIONS ASSOCIATION, the trade association for the UK tea industry. The Panel has been created to provide media with impartial information regarding the health benefits of tea. Panel members include nutritionists; dieticians and doctors.