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Men who are heavy tea drinkers are 50 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer, according to a controversial study published that contradicts previous research about Britain’s national drink.

Dr Kashif Shafique, who led the research, said: “I was surprised when we discovered there does seem to be a link. We found that with each cup of tea drank above seven cups, the bigger the risk of you catching the cancer. " 

Glasgow University found that people who drink more than seven cups of tea are at a much higher risk of getting the disease than those who consume three cups or fewer. 

The researchers admitted to being “surprised” at the link after finding that heavy tea drinkers are less likely to be overweight, consume alcohol or have high cholesterol. 

They concluded that men could slightly lower their risk of developing the disease, the most common form of cancer among males, if they reduced their consumption by one cup per day. 

The tea industry rejected the findings, citing previous studies that found there is either no link between black tea and prostate cancer or that the beverage helps prevent the disease. 

The Tea Advisory Panel said the research was flawed and the higher incidence of prostate cancer could be attributed to other factors, such as smoking, stress or diet. 

But the university’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing said the previous studies had fewer participants than the 6,000 they monitored and less information about their lifestyle. 

Dr Kashif Shafique, who led the research, said: “I was surprised when we discovered there does seem to be a link. We found that with each cup of tea drank above seven cups, the bigger the risk of you catching the cancer. 

“We don't know whether tea itself is a risk factor or if tea drinkers are generally healthier and live to an older age when prostate cancer is more common anyway.” 

Although the report confirmed there was “strong” evidence green tea helps prevent cancer, it said the evidence about the black tea used in the traditional British cuppa is “equivocal”.