Boston, Mass. – Amid increasing claims that drinking tea significantly improves life and health, the Washington Post turned to Tufts’ Jeffrey Blumberg for solid scientific answers. The researcher and antioxidant expert explained that while tea may share some of the same nutritional benefits as fruits and vegetables, “it is not a magic bullet for preventing cancer and heart disease.”

   Citing recent research, Blumberg told the Washington Post that the antioxidants in tea have a “cancer fighting ability,” but he added there isn’t enough evidence yet to prove that the beverage prevents chronic diseases.

   Tea is still a good thing to drink, Blumberg said in the article, which also ran in the Los Angeles Times. “It’s a non-caloric beverage. It tastes good. It may even contain things that are beneficial. It’s a potentially healthy choice consumers can make.”

Online: http://www.tufts.edu/communications/printable/040300ExpertBoilsDownTea