Boosting your sex drive, great gnashers and six other surprising health benefits from your daily cup of tea
More than 100million cups of char are consumed daily in the UK, but new research shows four out of five of us are unaware of the health
benefits
contained in our mugs.
Advertisement
5
Brits down 100million cuppas a day — but most don't know the health benefits in their brew
Credit: Getty
5
Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton reveals surprising health perks hidden in your daily brew
Here, dietitian
HEART HEALTH:
Regular cups of Rosie Lee are great for your ticker and could add years to your life expectancy.
Proven cardiovascular benefits include
Dr Ruxton says:
'Natural compounds in tea, called polyphenols, help to lower blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. The sweet spot is four cups a day.
Advertisement
READ MORE HEALTH NEWS
"Regular black tea is the best option but remember to steep it for one to two minutes to maximise the benefits.'
5
Most don't know that tea can actually improve our sleep and creating sweeter dreams
Credit: Getty
IMPROVED ZZZs:
Most of us (87 per cent) are not aware a good brew could help us have a better night's kip but studies have linked sipping tea to sweeter dreams.
Dr Ruxton says:
'People are often surprised when I say that a night-time cuppa is a great way to nod off.
Advertisement
'A recent
review
found just one or two cups of tea a day could help promote sleep quality and relaxation.
Most read in Health
"Try either a traditional cuppa or chamomile, lavender or valerian root tea before bed to support your sleep.'
GOOD BONES:
Research involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking cuppas resulted in
How to make a British cup of tea
The brew also lowered the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Advertisement
Polyphenols, found in black and green tea, are believed to be behind this.
Dr Ruxton says:
'We still don't know whether tea has a specific effect on bones or just helps the body to absorb minerals.
'It may even be that tea drinkers get more calcium in the form of milk in their cup'.
LESS STRESS:
Brewing up regularly could contribute to better mental health by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety or symptoms of low mood.
Advertisement
Compounds in tea contributing to inner calm include the amino acid L-theanine, and neurotransmitter GABA.
One study by University College
London
also proved a strong mug of builder's can lower
5
Tea can even help tackle bad breath
Credit: Getty
GREAT GNASHERS
: Enjoy a cuppa and you may reap rewards at the dentist.
Advertisement
Dr Ruxton says:
'Tea polyphenols act as an anti-bacterial. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth meaning drinking a cuppa can help banish this. In one study, rinsing the mouth with sugar-free tea was as effective as a regular mouthwash.'
STAY SHARP:
Brew up for a brain boost. One study of more than 4,000 people found that regular
Dr Ruxton says:
'Experts concluded that drinking tea, especially black tea, can have a positive effect on cognitive function.
"Just one or two cups a day provided some benefits'.
Advertisement
TOP TUMMIES:
Polyphenols in tea can have a positive effect on your gut bacteria, known as the microbiome.
Dr Ruxton says:
'These millions of tiny bugs help us to stay healthy.
"A study from
Japan
found three cups of regular tea daily for three months boosted 'friendly' species of bacteria in the gut and reduced respiratory infections, like colds.'
Herbal teas, especially peppermint, ginger and chamomile also ease nausea, bloating and wind.
Advertisement
5
Looking to up the ante in the bedroom - grab a cup of black tea
Credit: Getty
DRINK FOR DESIRE:
A tea break could
One study found black tea can elevate testosterone, which has been shown to increase libido levels in men and women.
And many herbal teas are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, particularly ginseng.
Advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Chomping on tomatoes & doing it upside down – 14 of the easiest ways to climax tonight & celebrate National Orgasm Day
DOES your sex life need an overhaul? National Orgasm day is here and with it, we're sharing some of the best expert-approved tips. It's a day to fully embrace pleasure, whether you're exploring solo or 5 Annabelle Knight has given her top tips to celebrate National Orgasm Day Credit: Annabelle Knight 5 Here are 14 tips to help you climax while getting heated between the sheets today Credit: Getty And it's not just about feeling good - the benefits of an orgasm extend to your overall health and happiness. Think improved mood, deeper sleep, and even a healthier heart. Sex and relationship expert "Why not give your pleasure a little upgrade?' she asks. READ MORE ON ORGASMS Ready to elevate your experience? Annabelle shares her top 14 easy ways to reach climax tonight and make the most of National Orgasm Day. Sink your teeth into a tomato Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to improve blood flow, which is crucial for arousal. Better circulation - better sensitivity. Most read in Fabulous Plus, tomatoes help regulate testosterone levels in all genders, which can boost libido. Who knew a salad could help your sex life? I had a vagina makeover including a 'vampire' lift & infamous 'O-shot'...it's transformed me from a knackered mum of two to sex goddess having best orgasms of my life Keep your socks on This one's backed by science! Cold feet can actually block your orgasm. A study by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands found that warm feet helped 80% of couples when it came to reaching climax. Why? Well, discomfort from cold feet pulls your brain out of the moment…nothing ruins the moment more than wishing you had a blanket. Try temperature play with ice cubes On the other hand cold constricts blood vessels, which can make your skin extra sensitive when warmed again, this in turn helps to intensify pleasure. Run an ice cube over yours or your partner's thighs, neck, or nipples, then switch to warm hands or your mouth to heighten arousal. Do the 'Bridge Pose' before bed This simple yoga pose (lie on your back, knees bent, hips lifted) helps to boosts pelvic circulation and strengthens pelvic floor muscles - the same ones used during orgasm. Over time, this can lead to stronger, more controlled climaxes. Plus, it opens the hips, helping you to feel more comfortable and capable in a variety of positions. Use lube - even if you think you don't need it 5 There's a surprising fact about lube that has been proven by studies Credit: Getty Even if you're naturally lubricated, adding a good quality lube reduces friction and heightens sensitivity, especially if you opt for a warming or tingling one. Studies show that people who use lubricant are more likely to report enjoyable, orgasmic sex. Silicone-based lube lasts longer, but water-based is great if you're including toys in your play. Slip into erotic audio Apps like Dipsea, Ferly, and Quinn offer steamy, narrated fantasies designed to turn you on using just your ears. It's proven (and fun!) way to mentally escape and stimulate arousal. Erotic audio engages the brain's limbic system, responsible for emotion and sexual excitement. Plus, unlike reading erotica, it keeps your hands free for play. Tick off your to-do list Few things kill desire faster than mental clutter. Studies show that cognitive distraction; work, chores, to do lists etc make it harder to climax. Clearing your head can help your body stay in the moment. Remember, sex doesn't always start in the bedroom. Do a 5-minute orgasm meditation Mindfulness has been shown to increase sexual satisfaction and intensity of orgasm. By focusing on what's happening to your body and how it's making you feel in the moment, you train yourself to stay present. This can help with climax control and awareness. A few minutes of calm could lead to a much more explosive finish. 5 Erotic audio engages the brain's limbic system Credit: Getty Doggy - but make it downward Think of it as the upstairs neighbour of the G-spot. Do it upside down Inverting your body during sex or masturbation (think of yourself lying off the bed or doing a legs-up positions) helps to increase blood flow to the pelvic area and brain, potentially intensifying sensation. Switching up angles can also help to stimulate rarely touched nerve endings too. Get baking Certain scents have been shown to boost arousal. One study from the 'Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation' in Chicago found that vanilla, cinnamon, and even pumpkin can help boost your libido by increasing blood flow. Vanilla showed that blood flow to the genitals increased by 9%, pumpkin pie by 11% in women, while cinnamon rolls boosted male arousal by 25%. So, grab a pinny and warm up the oven because better sex is only a traybake away. Try a pinch of salt Salt boosts dopamine levels which is the 'pleasure' neurotransmitter. A tiny pre-romp salty snack (try olives, salted dark chocolate, or even crisps) might enhance your brain's reward response. Take yourself to the edge 5 Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation found some surprising facts about baking together Credit: Getty Edging (bringing yourself close to climax, then stopping before you tip over) builds up tension in the pelvic muscles. When you finally let go, it leads to a more intense release. It's also linked to better orgasm control and longer-lasting pleasure. Talk dirty - even to yourself Much like listening to If you're solo, try narrating what you're doing to yourself, or engage in a fantasy little role play. If you're with someone try getting a little verbal. What your sexual fantasies say about you By Raucous Role Play: If your partner enjoys dressing up for fun, it shows creativity and a desire to keep things exciting. However, it might signal that he struggles with responsibility. Multi-Partner Fantasies: Craving variety doesn't always mean he wants to cheat. However, it could indicate deeper feelings of unfulfillment. Power & Control: A little dominance is normal, but if it's always about control, it may hide insecurities. Adventure: Men seeking thrills may push boundaries, so be sure your comfort zone is respected. Passion: If he's romantic, he's emotionally tuned in—though occasionally avoiding tough conversations. Flexibility: Openness to new experiences is great, but constant novelty-seeking could mean avoiding emotional connection. Red Flag: If control is his ultimate fantasy, it may signal a deeper struggle with power dynamics.
The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Skin doctor warns against viral trend that'll give you stinky hair & scalp flare-ups – try the ‘sandwich method' instead
A NEW beauty craze sweeping TikTok is being slammed by experts – and it could be leaving you with greasy, smelly hair and an itchy scalp. The Advertisement 2 Dr Vania has shared her expert advice on 'hair training' 2 A viral trend is convincing people to wash their hair less Credit: Getty Creators like Tink, The idea is that by skipping washes, your scalp will 'rebalance' its oil production, meaning your hair will stay cleaner for longer. But according to global skin doctor and cosmetic formulator 'Unfortunately, hair training doesn't work,' she told The Sun. Advertisement read more on hair 'The scalp can't be 'trained' to produce less oil. "When people think it's working, it's really just because they've adapted to the build up. "It's like a dirty carpet, after a while, you stop noticing the stains.' Not only does going weeks without washing make your locks look lifeless, it can actually cause scalp problems too. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous 'Skipping washes can lead to irritation, dandruff and flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis,' Dr Rattan warned. 'Bacteria breaking down sweat and oil will also cause an unpleasant odour.' Ireland AM star Muireann O'Connell shows off fabulous new hair do Influencers have been sharing hair-training tips using dry shampoo and texturising sprays to mask the grease, but Dr Rattan says these products can do more harm than good. 'Many dry shampoos and styling sprays are full of sulphates, fragrance and denatured alcohol, which can inflame the scalp and trigger contact dermatitis,' she explained. Advertisement 'This can weaken hair follicles and lead to shedding over time.' The doctor, who also runs her own haircare line, says the key to a healthy scalp is regular cleansing and using the right method in the shower. 'I recommend the 'sandwich method', which is to use conditioner, shampoo and then conditioner, to protect the hair's moisture barrier,' she said. 'It's the best way to prevent stripping your scalp and keep your hair shiny and soft.' Advertisement She always recommend a 'NAFE SAFE' (no denatured alcohol, fragrance or essential oils) to avoid scalp inflammation. If hair loss is a concern, Dr Vania recommends an with soothing ingredients like Niacinamide and Red Clover Extract, which can help support scalp health and increase hair density. On the strands, use a formulated with natural oils to prevent breakage and keep the hair glossy. How often should you actually wash your hair? Dr Rattan says it depends on your hair type, but a month without shampooing is far too long. Advertisement 'Fine hair gets oily faster because there are more oil glands, so washing every other day is best,' she advised. 'Coarse hair can go three to four days between washes, while coiled or very curly hair – which is naturally drier – should be washed every two to three weeks.' Ultimately, the doctor says you can't 'train' your scalp to do anything. 'Your scalp is skin, just like the rest of your body,' she said. Advertisement 'It needs to be cleaned regularly to stay healthy. Skipping washes only makes problems worse.' So if you're tempted to ditch the shampoo for weeks on end, don't. Try the sandwich method instead, your hair will thank you. How to make your hair look thicker Fake thicker hair with these bulk-up tips from Trichologist Simone Thomas. 1. Try dry shampoo 'It doesn't just make your hair look cleaner but thicker too,' says Simone. 'It leaves behind an invisible residue that makes your hair smoother, thicker and easier to style.' 2. Switch your parting 'Flipping it over to the opposite side of where it usually sits will give an instant volume boost,' she says. 3. Go for Balayage 'It adds dimension, resulting in fuller looking hair,' explains Simone. 'Leave the roots dark and the ends lighter and your hair will look thicker at the top.' Remember to nourish the hair with a weekly hair mask to fight off colour damage.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Dozens more Palestinians killed by Israeli fire as war drags on
Israeli strikes and gunfire in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 46 Palestinians overnight into Wednesday morning, most of them among crowds seeking food, hospitals said. The dead include more than 30 people who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to a hospital that treated dozens of wounded people. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on any of the strikes, but says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas, because the group's militants operate in densely populated areas. Palestinians inspect the site where an Israeli strike hit in Muwasi, Khan Younis (Mariam Dagga/AP) The deaths came as the UK announced it would recognise a Palestinian state in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, after a similar declaration by France's president. Israel's foreign ministry said that it rejected the British statement. The Shifa hospital in Gaza City said it received 12 people who were killed on Tuesday night when Israeli forces opened fire towards crowds waiting for aid trucks coming from the Zikim crossing in north-western Gaza. Thirteen others were killed in strikes in the Jabaliya refugee camp and the northern towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, the hospital said. In the southern city of Khan Younis, the Nasser hospital said it received the bodies of 16 people it says were killed on Tuesday evening while waiting for aid trucks close to the newly built Morag corridor, which separates Khan Younis from the southernmost city of Rafah. The hospital received another body, of a man killed in a strike on a tent in Khan Younis, it said. The Awda hospital in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp said that it received the bodies of four Palestinians who it says were killed on Wednesday by Israeli fire close to an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Netzarim corridor area, south of the Wadi Gaza. Palestinians scramble for aid packages dropped into the Mediterranean Sea (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Seven more Palestinians, including a child, have died of malnutrition-related causes in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, the territory's health ministry said on Wednesday. A total of 89 children have died of malnutrition since the war began in Gaza. The ministry said 65 Palestinian adults have also died of malnutrition-related causes across Gaza since late June, when it started counting deaths among adults. Hamas started the war with a militant-led attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. They still hold 50 hostages, though Israel believes that more than half are dead. Most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians. The ministry operates under the Hamas government. The UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.
