Many recent studies have suggested that there is a link between drinking tea and reduced risk of factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and buildup in the arteries. Most studies recommend moderate tea drinking, or a few cups per day. However, different types of tea may contribute to heart health in different ways.
The Role of Green Tea
Green tea is often a favorite when it comes to healthy beverages. Green tea contains a healthy burst of antioxidants, more than most other types of tea. A 2008 study on green tea published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation found a link between the use of green tea and the way the arteries in the heart function. In the study, participants drank around 15 ounces of green tea and were tested shortly afterward for several factors. The results found a near-immediate increase in flow-mediated artery dilation, a condition that reduces the risk for heart incidents.
The Role of Black Tea
Black tea is more commonly consumed worldwide than green tea, states the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. While its antioxidants are not as potent as those found in green tea, it does have similar characteristics. Black tea has both immediate and long-term benefits for arterial cell function. In addition, it may improve many other factors related to heart disease, such as blood pressure, inflammation and diabetes. The National Women's Health Information Center website womenshealth.gov, cites a study which showed a 45 percent reduction in heart disease death among those who drank 3 to 6 cups of tea daily, most of which was black tea.
Considerations: Caffeine
While the studies are promising, womenshealth.gov, also warns that both green tea and black tea contain caffeine. Green tea tends to contain less caffeine than black. In moderation, for most this is not an issue. However, some people following cardiac lifestyle changes may have to restrict the amount of caffeine they consume on a regular basis. Two to three cups of tea or more per day may push caffeine over the recommended limit for some people.
What about Lifestyle?
While the antioxidants in tea can improve many of the risk factors associated with heart disease, womenshealth.gov reports that in general, the tea drinkers in these studies may have lead a healthier lifestyle than those who do not drink tea, which could cause some results to be skewed. In addition, tea drinking is not a substitute for other approaches that reduce the risk for heart disease. The National Health Service stresses the importance of a healthy diet and exercise above drinking tea for prevention of heart problems.
How to Drink Tea
In moderation, tea is a healthy addition to the diet for most people. In order to maintain heart health when drinking tea, try to drink tea in its natural brewed state. None of the studies reviewed mentioned the role of sweeteners or creamer; however, adding such flavorings to tea may not only increase its sugar content, but may add undesirable fats or other chemicals as well. Finally, always check with your doctor before adding tea to your diet, especially if you are concerned about cardiac health.
References
- "European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation"; The Acute Effect of Green Tea Consumption on Endothelial Function in Healthy Individuals; Alexopoulos, Nikolaus et al; June 2008
- National Health Service: Does Tea Boost the Heart?
- Womenshealth.gov: Moderate Coffee, Tea Drinking Lowers Heart Disease Risk
