There had been a lot of discussion in the past about whether Tea and coffee (caffeine) were diuretics, robbing your body of water instead of counting towards your daily requirement of water. A new study, in combination of previous studies, now reveals that it might count like water.
(This study only addresses Tea and not specifically Caffeine, so Coffee is still up for debate.)
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Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is
as good for you as drinking plenty of water -- and may be even better.
Research dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates. Tea not only
re-hydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart
disease and some cancers.
Rodale states that:
"As in previous studies, a strong link between the beverage and
heart-protective qualities was established, most likely a result of the
beneficial flavonoid activity in the tea.
The research suggests that drinking one to eight cups (cups, not
gigantic mugs) a day is associated with a reduced risk of chronic
disease."
Sources: