All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Black tea reduces prostate cancer risks
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Strong black tea is one of the most favorite drinks of modern man. It is drunk with milk, sugar or lemon; depending on habits or traditions - in the morning, at lunch or in the evening. Each of us has at least several types of tea in the kitchen cupboard, and the menu in catering establishments amazes with the variety of types of black, green, herbal tea.
A new study conducted by specialists from the Kingdom of the Netherlands has shown that black tea is the most beneficial for middle-aged men, as it can protect them from such a disease as prostate cancer. Doctors claim that if a man drinks at least 400 milliliters (in other words, at least two cups) of strong tea daily, then the risk of developing prostate cancer decreases by more than a third.
Dutch scientists from the University of Maastricht came to this conclusion after conducting a study of the eating habits of about 900 local male residents. The specialists interviewed 892 middle-aged men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and the same number of completely healthy men of approximately the same age. After analyzing the data, the scientists were able to find out that men who drink at least two cups of strong black tea every day have a 37-40% lower incidence of prostate cancer than men who limit themselves to one cup of tea or do not drink it at all.
The study's leader believes that black tea's beneficial and restorative properties are due to its high content of polyphenols, which are the best antioxidants.
This study disproved the idea that coffee and cocoa have a beneficial effect on the body of a person with cancer. The results showed that coffee does not affect the formation of malignant tumors. Until now, scientists have had different opinions about both the negative and positive effects of coffee on the occurrence of cancer.
In 2012, British scientists suggested that drinking too much black tea could increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, but because no evidence was provided, the theory was not popular among experts.
A study conducted in the Netherlands this year has proven that large amounts of tea not only cannot be considered harmful, but can also have a powerful anti-cancer effect on the health of middle-aged men. At the moment, experts are conducting additional studies of the components of the drink in order to accurately report the component that is life-saving. According to preliminary data, polyphenols (catechins), which are found in large quantities in black, green and Chinese white tea, can protect healthy human cells from cancer cells, preventing them from spreading. Of course, you need to be extremely careful when choosing tea and not stop your attention on tea bags that contain only dust and tea crumbs.
Interestingly, a 2010 study has proven the positive effect that tea has on the female body. It turns out that women who drink at least one cup of hot black tea daily suffer from ovarian cancer 10% less often than those who neglect this wonderful drink.
[