If you’re looking to boost your longevity, one of the easiest lifestyle tweaks might already be in your cupboard. Emerging research suggests that green tea, when consumed regularly and in moderation, could be one of the most potent drinks for living longer and healthier.

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Why Green Tea Stands Out

Antioxidants That Protect Your Cells

Green tea is packed with catechins—especially one called EGCG (epigallocatechin‐3-gallate). These compounds help counter oxidative stress and inflammation, key drivers of aging and chronic disease. In fact, one review notes that green tea’s “ROS scavenging activity … makes it a potent stress mediator.”

Longer Life, According to Big Studies

A large prospective study of over 160,000 Chinese adults found that green tea drinkers had a lower risk of death from any cause, as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The highest consumption group (>10 g/day tea‐leaves) had a hazard ratio of 0.89 for all‐cause mortality compared with non‐drinkers. Another study from the U.S. reported that drinking green tea added approximately one extra year of life expectancy compared to non‐tea drinkers.

Brain Health Bonus

Green tea may also benefit your brain. A 10‐year Japanese cohort found drinkers had a 28% lower risk of cognitive decline.

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How Much and How Often?

The sweet spot appears to be 2–4 cups a day of green tea. Studies show benefits rise with consistent intake—but after a point, more doesn’t always equal better.

Keep it simple. Adding sugar, syrups, or heavy cream defeats much of the benefit. Some studies also advise mindful consumption if you combine green tea with high caffeine intake or other stimulants.

Green tea isn’t a magic bullet. These longevity gains were seen in people with healthier overall habits—non-smokers, moderate drinkers, and those who exercised.

The Bottom Line

If you’re seeking a straightforward, low-cost way to support longevity, adding green tea to your daily routine is a strong choice. With its antioxidant punch, cardiovascular benefits, and brain-protecting potential, this humble drink stands among the most scientifically promising allies in your anti-aging arsenal. Just remember: moderation, consistency, and pairing it with a whole-food, active lifestyle make it truly effective.

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A recall has been issued for super greens powder dietary supplements sold at Sam’s Club after nearly a dozen people suffered from a salmonella infection linked to the products, according to health officials. 

Here’s what to know about the recall:

Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder Supplements

FILE – Member’s Mark Super Greens dietary supplement powder. (FDA) 

Dig deeper:

Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder Supplements have been pulled from store shelves because they contain moringa leaf powder that may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Infections were confirmed in seven states: Florida, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina and Virginia. Illnesses were reported between May and September.

The source of the salmonella was traced to a single lot of organic moringa leaf powder imported from Vallon Farm Direct in Jodhpur, India, according to an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

State health officials in Virginia and Michigan collected and tested samples of the product from the homes of people who fell ill.

What you can do:

Consumers should not eat the supplements and should throw them away or return them to the store for a refund.

What is moringa?

Moringa is a plant native to India and other countries prized for essential nutrients including protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. Its leaves can be dried and powdered.

Symptoms of salmonella infection

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration and stomach cramps. Most people who get sick recover within a week. 

Infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization.

If you’ve been popping Vitamin D supplements religiously, thinking you’re doing your bones, muscles, and immune system a huge favor, there’s a little secret you might be missing, and it has nothing to do with dosage. It’s all about when and how you take it.Dr. Sudhir Kumar, also known as hyderabaddoctor, recently shared some advice that’s simple but can make a huge difference: Vitamin D is fat-soluble. Translation? Your body absorbs it way better when you take it with some fat, think milk, eggs, nuts, avocado, or anything with a bit of healthy fat. Take it on an empty stomach, and you could be losing up to 50% of its effectiveness. That’s basically like only getting half the benefits for your bones, muscles, and even immune system.So, what’s the trick? Dr. Kumar recommends taking your Vitamin D after your heaviest meal of the day. Not before breakfast, not as a random mid-morning tablet. Big meal, little vitamin, that’s the combo that actually works. The logic is simple: when Vitamin D travels with dietary fat, it’s absorbed efficiently into your bloodstream. Without that fat, your body struggles to process it, and all the effort of swallowing the pill could be wasted.This is one of those “tiny tweak, big payoff” moments in health. Think about it: a little timing shift and a simple pairing with food can make your supplement far more effective.Unsurprisingly, this has sparked reactions on social media. One user shared: “My mother was advised to take Vitamin D tablets on an empty stomach only.” Another chimed in: “And I saw a prescription from an MD doctor in Mumbai to take it before breakfast on an empty stomach. Doctors also need education and awareness.” People are starting to realize that even medical advice isn’t always aligned with the latest nutritional science, a little awareness can go a long way.Others pointed out the beauty of small changes: “Sometimes the biggest health boost comes from a tiny timing tweak,” wrote one user. And it’s true, most of us think about supplements purely in terms of quantity or brand, not timing or absorption. Yet this one adjustment, pairing it with fat and taking it with a main meal, could make your daily Vitamin D dose actually do what it’s supposed to.Why does this matter so much? Vitamin D isn’t just about strong bones. It plays a role in muscle function, immunity, mood regulation, and even cardiovascular health. Skipping proper absorption means you’re leaving a lot of those benefits on the table. For older adults, those at risk of osteoporosis, or anyone trying to maintain peak health, it’s literally a difference-maker.So here’s the takeaway: Next time you reach for your Vitamin D, pause for a second. What’s your meal situation? If it’s a light snack or you’re fasting, consider holding off until you have a meal with some fat. Milk with breakfast, avocado toast at lunch, or even a handful of nuts with dinner, these simple foods can boost your vitamin absorption dramatically.And one more thing: consistency is key. Taking Vitamin D occasionally with a meal won’t hurt, but for true bone, muscle, and immune health benefits, make it a daily habit, right after your largest meal. Over time, your body will thank you, even if the change feels minor day to day.At the end of the day, health often comes down to these small, practical tweaks. You don’t always need the fanciest supplement or the highest dose. Sometimes it’s just about making sure your body can actually use what you’re giving it. Fat-soluble vitamins like D deserve a little thought, and now that you know the trick, you can get more from every single tablet you take.

Oct. 31 (UPI) — A Salmonella outbreak in seven states has the Food and Drug Administration warning people not to ingest recalled products that contain moringa leaf powder.

As the FDA investigates the food poisoning outbreak, it has ordered the recall of all Member’s Mark Super Greens dietary supplement powder, no matter when it was produced, packaged or sold, the agency announced in a Friday update.

The items are sold at Sam’s Club outlets throughout the nation and online.

The recall is due to a single lot of organic moringa leaf powder supplied by Valley Farm Direct of Johdpur, India, that has triggered multiple Salmonella outbreaks, according to the FDA.

The federal agency is investigating to identify the point of contamination and if any other products might be affected.

The Centers for Disease Control said nine of 10 people who have been interviewed consumed powdered dietary supplements, including six people who ingested Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder.

Three others said they consumed other products that contain moringa leaf powder.

A sample obtained from the home of one person who became sick in Virginia tested positive for the same Salmonella strain that caused the outbreak.

A total of 11 Salmonella cases have been in seven states, including Virginia, and three required hospitalization.

Other cases were reported in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The last illness onset was reported on Sept. 4.

Salmonella bacteria typically cause food poisoning within 12to 72 hours of ingestion and can be deadly, although deaths are rare.