Effects of tea consumption on nutrition and health

Beneficial health effects of tea have been demonstrated in animal experimen ts and some human studies. The two most extensively investigated diseases a re cancer and heart disease. Although mechanisms of protective activity of tea against these diseases have been proposed, there are inconsistencies in the relationship between tea consumption and the risk of these diseases in humans. The bioavailability of active components is beginning to be unders tood, but further research is required to determine whether the results fro m animal studies are applicable to humans. Also discussed are the possible effects of tea in increasing thermogenesis and bone density as well as decr easing risk of cataracts and arthritis. The potential health benefits of te a consumption warrant further investigation.