Tea is good for you, honest

**Jack 007** · 28th August 2006, 09:47 AM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5281046.stm?ls

"Tea 'healthier' drink than water"

"The Tea Council provided funding for the work."

OK. Anyone else see a conflict? It's amazing how often I've heard this reported in the media in the last few days without the Tea Council being mentioned. :o

**Admin** · 28th August 2006, 02:45 PM

What a fabulous piece of science!!

As (pure) water doesn't contain any nutrients I'm sure it is just as likely that coffee is good for you. What about orange juice? It would be easy to reach the same conclusion for just about anything.

The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done.

The real stupidity is taking results from test tubes and extrapolating them to apply to the human body. There's a trend these days to claim all sorts of medicinal properties for foods.

**Jack 007** · 28th August 2006, 03:42 PM

also, from the same "news" website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...st/5291150.stm

Headline: "Cider 'may have health benefits'"

In the text: "The research is part of a project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the National Association of Cider Makers." (my emphasis).

But don't worry, it's a thorough test as "Twelve volunteers have been recruited to take part in the tests." That's ok then.

Still, mustn't grumble, I like tea and I like cider. I've heard Guinness is good for you too...

**kath23** · 1st September 2006, 06:23 AM

Being funded by the manfacturers isn't necessarily suspicious, drugs companies fund trials all the time and I'm sure no-one here would buy the 'Big Pharma' conspiracy wholesale.

12 is a 'remarkable' survey size though

**tkingdoll** · 1st September 2006, 12:35 PM

It is suspicious when tea bag sales have been declining for the past few years, though.

This is a marketing ploy, and the Tea Council have tried it before. Tetley (or was it PG Tips?) got into hot water (

) with the ASA about 3 years ago for their ad campaign which claimed tea is good for the heart. The research they cited made the same claims as this new research. The complaints were upheld and Tetley had to withdraw the ads.