As Nigerians living in the UK, many of us start our mornings with a hot drink—whether it’s tea, coffee, or both. But beyond energy and comfort, have you ever wondered how these drinks affect your bone health, especially as we get older?
Recent research suggests that tea may offer slight benefits for bone strength, while excessive coffee intake could have drawbacks.
What the Research Found
A long-term study published in the journal Nutrients followed nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and above over a 10-year period to examine how tea and coffee consumption affected bone mineral density—a key indicator of osteoporosis risk.
Key Findings:
- Women who regularly drank tea had slightly higher hip bone density than those who didn’t.
- Drinking 2–3 cups of coffee daily did not negatively affect bone health.
- Drinking more than 5 cups of coffee a day was linked to lower bone density.
Hip and thigh bones were studied because fractures in these areas are common and can seriously affect mobility and quality of life, especially in older adults.
Even small improvements in bone density, researchers noted, can significantly reduce fracture risk across large populations.
What About Coffee and Osteoporosis?
Interestingly, another recent genetic study published in Nature found that people with higher overall caffeine intake had a lower risk of osteoporosis. This included caffeine from coffee, tea, and other beverages.
This shows that the relationship between caffeine and bone health is complex, and moderation is key.
Why Tea May Support Bone Health
Tea contains natural compounds called catechins and theaflavins, which may:
- Support bone formation
- Slow down bone breakdown
Green tea appears to contain the highest levels of these compounds because it is less processed than black or oolong tea.
That said, black tea—which is commonly consumed in the UK—is still beneficial, just with slightly lower levels of these compounds.
Should Nigerians in the UK Drink More Tea and Less Coffee?
Nutrition experts generally support drinking 3–4 cups of unsweetened tea per day for most adults.
However, personal health matters:
- Green tea contains caffeine and may affect sleep
- Drinking too many hot beverages can increase frequent urination
- Certain medications and health conditions may require limits on caffeine
For older adults, limiting excessive coffee is often advised—not strictly because of bones, but because:
- Too much coffee can disturb sleep
- It may cause stomach irritation
- It can replace more nutritious drinks like milk or fortified alternatives
Adding milk to coffee or tea can help support calcium intake, which is especially important for bone health.
What This Means for Our Community
For Nigerians in the UK—especially women and older adults—bone health is an important but often overlooked issue. Between cold weather, indoor lifestyles, and vitamin D deficiency, maintaining strong bones requires conscious effort.
The takeaway:
- Tea may offer small bone health benefits
- Moderate coffee intake is generally safe
- Balance, variety, and overall diet matter more than choosing one drink over the other
Naija UK Connect Health Tip
Strong bones are built over time—with good nutrition, movement, and healthy habits. Your daily cup can help, but it’s only one part of the picture.
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