Tea strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis (4 photos)

A new study has found that tea may reduce the risk of hip fractures in older women, while excessive coffee consumption may actually increase it. Researchers from Flinders University in Adelaide examined 10 years of data, comparing tea and coffee drinking habits with hip bone strength, a key risk factor for fractures.





The study found that regular tea drinkers had slightly stronger bones, which reduces the risk of hip fractures with age. Although the difference was small, it was statistically significant.

"Even small improvements in bone density can reduce fractures in large populations," noted Dr. Enwu Liu, co-author of the study and an associate professor at the university.

These findings help us understand how daily habits influence the development of osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become fragile.

Small dietary changes can help reduce the risk of fractures by complementing proven osteoporosis prevention and treatment measures, such as exercise, calcium, and vitamin D.



Study co-author Ryan Yan Liu believes that tea strengthens bones due to its high catechin content. These plant compounds help form bones and slow their breakdown.

Scientists have found that drinking up to three cups of coffee a day is not harmful to bones, but excessive consumption can be dangerous. Those who drank more than five cups a day had low bone mineral density. This increases the risk of future hip fractures.

According to Liu, this may be due to caffeine's effect on calcium absorption.

Calcium is a key nutrient for bone health, helping prevent osteoporosis. When combined with other nutrients, it forms calcium phosphate, which gives bones strength, density, and structure. However, these benefits are minor and can be offset by adding milk.

Interestingly, other factors also played a role. Women who drank more alcohol throughout their lives had a lesser effect from coffee.





"Our results don't mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon," said Dr. Enwu Liu.

"Moderate tea consumption may be a simple way to support bone health. However, excessive coffee consumption, especially for women who drink alcohol, may not be the best solution."

He noted: "Calcium and vitamin D are important elements for bone health, but the contents of your cup can also contribute. For older women, a cup of tea can become not only a pleasant ritual but also a small step toward strengthening bones."



According to official data, one in three women and one in five men over 50 suffers from osteoporosis.

The disease develops slowly, over several years. It is often diagnosed when a fracture occurs due to a fall or blow.

The most common fractures are of the wrist, hip, and vertebrae.

Bone weakness can be so severe that even coughing or sneezing can cause a rib fracture or spinal injury.

A slouched posture, in which a person appears to be leaning forward, is often the first sign of the disease in the elderly. This posture occurs due to brittle bones in the spine, which makes it difficult to maintain the body in an upright position.