One more reason marathon runners and jugglers should drink tea

Some time ago I wrote about how tea was better for you than water. I continue to drink lots of tea and believe that the extra caffeine helps make me a better runner. Actually, the main reason I drink tea is because it is a no calorie substitute for soda pop. In younger years, this juggler drank way too much pop.In the 5th point of the original story, it was suggested that tea can prevent cancer. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical but there is some new research. According to this story you can actually cut down your risk of skin cancer by drinking 2 cups of tea a day.

This is really important for joggling marathon runners because according to a study published in the November issue of the Archives of Dermatology, marathon runners are more susceptible to skin cancer than the general population. It seems the extra UV exposure and suppression of the immune system caused by endurance training are the main reason.

So this summer while you’re doing your marathon training or recreational outdoor juggling be sure to drink lots of tea (unsweetened), cover as much exposed skin as possible, and lather on the sunscreen. I personally like the spray on sunscreen.