The research was conducted on a global scale and suggested that there are certain compounds in tea that help build bones. Such compounds are found in plants called flavonoids.
Some flavonoids simulate estrogen, a key component in good bone health. The natural production of estrogen drops during menopause. Therefore, flavonoids fill in for estrogen, performing roles like inhibiting osteoclasts, the cells that break down bones and can contribute to osteoporosis.
The researchers reviewed epidemiological studies from all over the world, finding a correlation between tea consumption and higher bone mineral density (BMD) – a measure of calcium and other minerals in bones – in postmenopausal women in Canada and England, as well as women in Taiwan, Iran, Japan, and Australia.
The results from England showed that the postmenopausal women consuming tea had approximately 5% higher BMD than those who were not tea-drinkers. It also found that there was no difference in BMD rates for those who consumed one to three cups versus four or more cups each day, and that adding milk to the tea did not change the correlation.
So now you know when you make yourself a cup of tea you are actually strengthening your bones and overall health.