Blood Pressure And Green Tea

Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea has been used for centuries for health purposes, and some countries like China still hail its effectiveness for treating a variety of health conditions such as blood pressure. While tea makers and health practitioners say green tea may help lower blood pressure, little research exists to validate these claims. Research on the efficacy of green tea for many health conditions is ongoing. Green tea is often confused with oolong tea and black tea, which are made from the same plant but fermented differently.

History of Tea as Medicine

History first records the use of green tea in China 5,000 years ago. By the time green tea had become popular with the emperors of the day, nervous system and digestive system benefits had already been recorded. As the popularity of green tea increased, so did the number of people who harvested, sold and studied it. Green tea was introduced to Japan about A.D. 800 and to the Americas in the 1600s. Green tea exploded in popularity and production at that time and remains popular to this day.

Uses for Green Tea

Despite claims that green tea can lower blood pressure, some research indicates it may actually have a negative affect on individuals with high blood pressure. Taken as a beverage or in capsule form, green tea and its extracts have been used to improve mental functioning, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, fight cancer and prevent sun damage. Despite the wide variety of uses for green tea, it is the research for the prevention and treatment of cancer that has been the most promising, but even some of these studies have been contradictory. To this date, a healthy diet combined with exercise and prescription medication remain the most reliable ways to safely and effectively lower blood pressure.

Qualified Health Claims

A 1999 study by the National Institutes of Health concluded the ingestion of green tea caused more significant increases in blood pressure than caffeine alone, though these effects were neither significant nor permanent. No decreased risk of cardiovascular disease or lowering of blood pressure was found. The FDA has also denied green tea has a positive or lasting effect on blood pressure, stating that while some evidence is supportive of this claim, it remained inconclusive.

Safety

According to the National Institutes of Health, green tea consumption is safe for most adults in moderate amounts. However, it can make anticoagulants less effective. Rare instances of liver problems have been reported by those consuming concentrated green tea extracts. Green tea extracts are safest taken in capsules with a full glass of water. Individuals with liver or heart conditions or those taking prescription medications should talk to their doctors before consuming green tea in any form. Unless otherwise labeled, green tea contains caffeine, which may cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, frequent urination and upset stomach.

Considerations

Green tea is not a substitute for medication prescribed by your doctor. If you are interested in adding green tea to your diet, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.