Tea drinking is a heart-healthy habit, and many people take the time to brew up green and white teas for their health. Tea supplements are another option. However, exactly how much tea can help with heart disease prevention is still questionable. Despite varying evidence, moderate tea drinking is considered a healthy habit.
Antioxidants and Tea
Tea is not only a pick-me-up beverage, but it also contains several substances that are thought to contribute to heart health. These include antioxidants and different types of flavonoids. Different types of tea have different amounts of these ingredients. For instance, a 2008 study by Alexopoulos, et al, in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, reports that both green and black teas contain antioxidants. However, the antioxidants tend to be more potent in green tea. Black tea is still a good source, though it also typically contains more caffeine than green varieties.
The Role of Antioxidants
Tea contains antioxidants and the National Health Service cites a claim from a 2001 study that reported that drinking tea regularly can decrease a person's risk of arterial buildup as well as help promote weight loss. In addition, Alexopoulous's study found that certain antioxidants, including those found in green tea, improved the lining of the brachial artery, which could promote healthier circulatory function.
What the Studies Actually Say
Many studies have been reviewed by different organization regarding the effect of regular tea drinking on heart health, and so far the results have been mixed. Alexopoulos' study reported significant effects of green tea on arterial function. The National Women's Health Information Center reported a 45 percent reduction in deaths from heart disease with moderate tea drinking. The studies reviewed by the NHS Service found variable results, though in general cardiac health improvements were evident. However, both the NHS and the National Women's Health Information Center state that some of these positive results may be based on the overall health of people who tend to drink tea, such as those with a healthier lifestyle or those in countries with a lower risk for heart disease. So while tea drinking may help, the jury is still out on the extent of its impact.
How Much Tea to Drink
The moderate tea drinking described in many of these studies is around three to six cups daily. However, keep in mind that different types of tea have different amounts of caffeine, which is not always recommended for people with cardiac conditions. Also, the size of the cup should be considered as well: while three to six cups might seem like a lot, it may only translate to one to two commercial-sized tea beverages. In short, there is no ideal amount of tea other than the general guideline of "moderate." If in doubt, ask your doctor how much tea he recommends for your particular condition.
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?
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Moderate Coffee, Tea Drinking Lowers Heart Disease Risk
