5 science-backed health benefits of tea, from longevity to brain health

PremiumAnahad O'ConnorWashington Post·25 Aug, 2026 12:00 AM6 mins to readAlthough green, black, white and oolong teas look very different, they all come from the same plant. Photo / Tyler M. Andrews, The Washington PostDrinking tea has been consistently associated with a longer lifespan.After water, tea is the world’s most popular beverage, consumed by nearly two-thirds of people across the globe.Because of this, scientists have spent decades carrying out hundreds of studies on tea’s potential health benefits.

Scientists have found that the