Dr Michael Mosley says drinking tea is key to 'longer, healthier life'

TV doctor Michael Mosley has shared that drinking a regular cup of tea can help you lead a "longer, healthier life". Dr Mosley, who created the Fast 800 diet and popularised the 5:2 diet, says the drink has numerous health benefits which include lowering the risk of heart disease and strengthing your bones, the Mirror reports.

Speaking on his Just One Thing BBC Sounds podcast, Dr Mosley said: "It's mid-afternoon and I'm about to take a little break. I'm about to do just one very British thing that's not only a great stress buster but could also lower my risk of heart disease and help me live a longer, healthier life. I'm having a cup of tea.

"New research shows there are things in the tea itself that really can lower your stress levels. Not only that but studies show that drinking tea could also improve your memory and reduce your risk of bone fractures." Dr Mosley said a recent study in Australia monitored the effect of tea on the bones of 1,000 women over the age of 75. It found that those who drank more than three cups of tea a day were 30 per cent less likely to suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis.

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Dr Mosley also said the amino acid known as L-theanine, which is found in tea, has been proven to help the brain. He added: "L-theanine is a bioactive amino acid that seems to make tea particularly good for relieving stress. In tests, volunteers produced less of the stress hormone Cortisol and reported feeling more relaxed after having a drink containing L-theanine compared to a drink