water pitcherNutrition experts agree that calorie-free tea is an excellent beverage for hydration (1,2). Hydration is important for concentration, alertness, speed and sports performance (1,2). Healthy adults should consume between 9 and 13 cups of fluids every day (3).

We all know that tea is a great beverage to drink and share, but did you know that tea can also help you stay hydrated? It is a commonly held myth that tea can be dehydrating by acting as a diuretic. Tea, is actually hydrating, independent scientists have looked at the hydration effects of tea and suggest tea is a good choice for hydration (1,2,4).

Canada's Food Guide encourages satisfying your thirst with water as a great-tasting calorie-free way to help you stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or when you are active (5). Since tea is 99.5 % water, it can count towards your fluid intake for the day – plus it tastes great! Next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, which should be no surprise to Canadians - they drink more than nine billion cups of tea each year!

References:

1. Gardner EJ, Ruxton, CHS, Leeds, AR. Review. Black tea - helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007; 61:3-18.

2. Popkin BM, Armstrong LE, Bray GM, Caballero B, Frei B, Willett WC. A new proposed guidance system for beverage consumption in the United States. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;83:529-542.

3. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride and Sulfate. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board; 2004:5-6.

4. Maughan RJ, Griffin J. Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2003;16:411-420.

5. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health Canada. Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, 2007.