It is something everyone should be drinking to live longer and healthier lives, according to a longevity expert
An expert striving to unlock to secrets of living longer has claimed one hot drink might be the key to adding extra years onto your life. Dan Buettner, an American author and longevity researcher, said that green tea is something that has been around for centuries and makes up a core part of the diet in people who live into the 100s.
But, it’s not enough to have the occasional cup – it’s about making a consistent habit. It may seem excessive to some, but this simple swap may add almost half a decade to your life expectancy.
He said: “Seven is ideal but as little as three cups of green tea a day is associated with four extra years of healthy life expectancy. We don’t don’t why, I’d guess it’s probably to do with all the antioxidants or catechins.
“There are probably 1,500 compounds in green tea – we don’t know for sure. But, green tea has been around for a long time, and it’s consumed daily in volume by [people in] at least two Blue Zones.”
The researcher has coined the term ‘Blue Zone’ to chart the lifestyle choices made by people in specific parts of the world where locals have maintained healthy choices that significantly increase their life expectancy. These areas include certain villages in Japan, Greece, Italy, and Costa Rica.
In the video, he added: “Why not drink what we’ve learnt from our ancestors who have achieved the outcomes we want – which is a long and healthy life?” And, beyond that, there is plenty of research to back why green tea is so beneficial for our health.
One piece of research conducted in 2011 found that green tea is enriched with catechins, a plant-based antioxidant, which led to a small reduction in ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. Lowering this type of cholesterol can reduce the likelihood of heart disease, strokes and heart attacks.
In 2013, another review found that having green or black tea daily (either as a drink or capsule) helps lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. And, a more recent study from 2020 also found that drinking green tea “significantly lowered” the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of its 3,320 subjects.
The beneficial polyphenols of green tea may help slow the damaging effects of ageing on the brain. Moderate consumption is also associated with a significant reduction in dementia risk, with a 2025 study suggesting several daily cups may be especially protective for men.
It’s not that expensive to switch up your usual tea choice – or at least have the option available. Currently, you can buy a box of 40 Diplomat Pure Green Tea Bags from Aldi for 65p, which works out to less than 1p per cup (using one teabag).
The discount supermarket also sells decaf and flavoured versions for the same price. These include varieties with added lemon or mint.
Beyond green tea, people in these ‘Blue Zones’ appear to drink a mixture of three staple drinks. One usually surprises people as it’s not typically considered a healthy choice.
A doctor will likely recommend a balanced diet and encourage physical activity to maintain good overall health. If you are thinking of adding anything new and regular into your lifestyle but are concerned about any possible side effects, it is always best to checck with a medical professional first.
