Tea for Sport and Fitness: A Scoping Review

An extended evidence-base has evaluated the role of nutrition in sports and fitness. The roles of hydration are also well covered but within this the specific roles of tea are not yet discussed widely. Subsequently, the present scoping review aims to evaluate the potential roles of tea in relation to aspects of sports and fitness performance. Searches for human observational studies and clinical trials were undertaken in PubMed. gov, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Sixteen relevant publications were identified with five focusing on outcomes related to body weight, composition, adiposity, or fat oxidation. Other reported outcomes included strength, muscle strength, or mass, oxidative/antioxidant and hydration status, salivary antibacterial capacity, and balance performance. Evidence appeared strongest for green and matcha tea with the typical ingestion of 2 to 3 cups daily being associated with improved body composition, antioxidant profile, sleep quality (low caffeine green tea), salivary defence mechanisms against microbial pathogens and reduced adiposity. From a general stance tea drinking could be an alternative beverage choice for those keeping active, providing a source of fluids and polyphenols. Older populations, those undertaking activities in colder climates, or for prolonged durations e.g., long-distance walking may benefit from personalised hydration programmes that could involve tea drinking. Larger and longer randomised controlled trials using tea in beverage form rather than as extracts or supplements are now warranted to further advance science in this field.