Abstract
The study aimed to comprehensively assess the separate and combined effects of physical activity (PA) and tea consumption on all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality among 21,350 participants from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2018. PA and tea consumption were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires and dietary recall interviews at baseline, with mortality data from the National Death Index. Cox regression analyses yielded hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results indicated that both tea consumption and PA independently reduced all-cause mortality. In the physically active group, tea consumption further decreased mortality risk, while this effect was not significant in the inactive group. Jointly, the highest tea consumers who exercised the most exhibited the lowest mortality risk compared to non-tea drinkers who exercised the least. Tea consumption alone does not significantly impact cancer-specific mortality; it is only in physically active group that tea consumption significantly lowers the risk of cancer-specific mortality. These findings underscore the potential benefits of regular tea consumption and PA in promoting longevity and reducing premature death risks.