Which teas are good for your heart. How can different types of tea affect cardiovascular health. What are the potential risks of consuming certain teas. How much tea should you drink daily for heart benefits.

The Heart-Boosting Power of Black Tea

Black tea has garnered attention for its potential cardiovascular benefits. Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, this popular beverage may offer more than just a caffeine boost. How does black tea impact heart health?

Studies suggest that black tea can improve blood vessel function and blood flow, thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants. These compounds help prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve cholesterol levels. A study published in Lipids in Health and Disease Preventive Medicine found that rats given a theaflavin-based solution (an antioxidant found in black tea) experienced significant reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

However, it’s crucial to consider the caffeine content when consuming black tea. An 8-ounce cup contains approximately 47 milligrams of caffeine, depending on brewing time. While this is less than coffee, individuals with heart conditions, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should limit their intake to no more than 200 mg of caffeine daily (about four cups of black tea).

Potential Side Effects of Black Tea

• Upset stomach due to tannins
• Decreased iron absorption from plant-based foods
• Possible interactions with mental health medications

It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new teas into your diet, especially if you’re taking medications.

Green Tea: A Heart-Healthy Elixir

When it comes to cardiovascular health, green tea stands out as a powerhouse. Why is green tea considered beneficial for the heart?

Green tea contains a potent antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may help prevent atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in the arteries. The steaming process used in green tea production preserves more of these beneficial compounds compared to other tea types.

Research published in Food Science and Human Wellness in May 2022 associated green tea consumption with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among habitual tea drinkers. Another study in the European Society of Cardiology journal found that regular green tea drinkers had a 25% lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality.

Optimal Green Tea Consumption for Heart Health

1. Aim for at least one cup per day
2. Consider drinking green tea three or more times a week for maximum benefits
3. Be mindful of caffeine content, especially if sensitive to stimulants

Chamomile Tea: Nature’s Stress-Reliever for Heart Health

While not as widely studied as green or black tea, chamomile tea offers unique benefits for cardiovascular health. How does this herbal infusion contribute to heart wellness?

Chamomile tea is renowned for its calming properties, which can indirectly benefit heart health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Chronic stress is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, making stress management an essential component of heart health.

Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that chamomile tea may help lower blood sugar levels, which is crucial for preventing diabetes-related heart complications. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

Incorporating Chamomile Tea into Your Heart-Healthy Routine

• Drink a cup before bedtime to promote better sleep
• Use as a caffeine-free alternative throughout the day
• Consider chamomile tea during stressful periods to help manage anxiety

Hibiscus Tea: A Tart Treat for Blood Pressure Management

Hibiscus tea, with its vibrant color and tart flavor, has been the subject of several studies focusing on cardiovascular health. What makes hibiscus tea a potential ally for heart health?

Research indicates that hibiscus tea may have a positive effect on blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming hibiscus tea daily for six weeks led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure among adults with pre-hypertension or mild hypertension.

The anthocyanins found in hibiscus are thought to be responsible for its blood pressure-lowering effects. These compounds may help relax blood vessels and improve their elasticity, contributing to better cardiovascular function.

Tips for Enjoying Hibiscus Tea

1. Steep for 5-10 minutes to extract maximum benefits
2. Enjoy hot or cold, depending on preference
3. Avoid adding sugar to maintain its health benefits

White Tea: The Delicate Heart Protector

White tea, the least processed of all tea varieties, offers a subtle flavor and a host of potential health benefits. How does white tea contribute to heart health?

Like its green counterpart, white tea is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG. These powerful antioxidants may help protect the heart by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving the function of blood vessels.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging found that white tea extract was effective in reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers noted improvements in cholesterol profiles and increased antioxidant capacity in participants who consumed white tea.

Maximizing White Tea’s Heart Benefits

• Brew at a lower temperature (around 170°F) to preserve delicate flavors and nutrients
• Steep for 1-3 minutes to avoid bitterness
• Consider alternating between white and green tea for variety in your tea routine

Oolong Tea: The Heart-Health Balancer

Oolong tea, partially oxidized and sitting between green and black tea in processing, offers a unique flavor profile and potential cardiovascular benefits. What makes oolong tea a contender in the heart-healthy tea category?

Research suggests that oolong tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and blood sugar control. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that regular oolong tea consumption was associated with lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Additionally, oolong tea contains polyphenols that may help reduce the absorption of fats and cholesterol in the digestive system, potentially contributing to weight management and overall heart health.

Incorporating Oolong Tea into Your Heart-Healthy Diet

1. Enjoy 1-2 cups daily for potential benefits
2. Experiment with different brewing times to find your preferred flavor profile
3. Consider oolong as a middle-ground option between green and black tea

Rooibos Tea: The Caffeine-Free Heart Helper

Rooibos, a herbal tea from South Africa, has gained popularity for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. How does this caffeine-free option contribute to heart health?

While research on rooibos is less extensive compared to traditional teas, emerging studies suggest promising cardiovascular benefits. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that rooibos tea may help improve lipid profiles and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are important factors in heart health.

Rooibos is rich in antioxidants, particularly aspalathin and nothofagin, which may help protect against oxidative damage and inflammation. These properties could contribute to overall cardiovascular wellness.

Making the Most of Rooibos Tea

• Enjoy hot or iced, at any time of day due to its caffeine-free nature
• Consider as a nighttime alternative to caffeinated teas
• Experiment with adding a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick for flavor variation

Potential Risks: When Tea Might Harm Your Heart

While many teas offer heart-healthy benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks associated with excessive consumption or certain preparations. What are some ways tea might negatively impact heart health?

One primary concern is the addition of sugar or high-calorie creamers to tea, which can negate its health benefits. Dr. Guy L. Mintz, director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital, warns against fancy tea lattes that often contain excessive sugar, calories, and carbohydrates.

Additionally, the caffeine content in some teas can be problematic for individuals with certain heart conditions or those sensitive to stimulants. Excessive caffeine intake may lead to increased heart rate, palpitations, or elevated blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

Precautions When Consuming Tea for Heart Health

1. Limit added sugars and high-calorie additives
2. Be mindful of caffeine content, especially in black and green teas
3. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have existing heart conditions
4. Be aware of potential interactions with medications

In conclusion, various teas offer potential benefits for heart health, ranging from improved blood vessel function to better cholesterol profiles. However, it’s essential to consume tea mindfully, considering factors such as caffeine content, preparation methods, and individual health conditions. By incorporating a variety of heart-healthy teas into a balanced diet and consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals can potentially harness the cardiovascular benefits of these beloved beverages.

8 Teas That Can Help or Harm Your Heart

Soothing, aromatic teas have earned a spot on the approved foods and drinks list for their myriad of mind and body benefits.

By Zachary SmithMedically Reviewed by Anurag Sahu, MD

Reviewed: September 16, 2022

Medically Reviewed

Drinking green tea is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Adobe Stock

These days, you can’t walk down your grocery store aisle without seeing tons of teas. Some will keep you up and energized, while others will help you relax and go to sleep. A few can even be good for your heart or reduce your cholesterol.

“There are so many teas,” says Grace Derocha, RD, national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “You can have three cups of tea a day, but sometimes it’s green, sometimes it’s black, sometimes it’s herbal. A lot of these factors come into play.”

What also comes into play is how you prepare your tea, as results can vary in how it is brewed or served.

Guy L. Mintz, MD, director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, warns that no matter which tea you have, make sure to drink it as is.

“A lot of patients will drink fancy tea lattes and what they’re going to get from that is a lot of sugar, calories, and carbs,” says Dr. Mintz. “In that case, you’re doing nothing for yourself.”

So which tea is best for you? Here are eight teas and how they can affect your heart.

960

Black Tea: Might be Good for Your Heart but Drink Responsibly

Adobe Stock

“Black tea has cardio-protective benefits that can improve blood vessel function and blood flow,” says Mintz.

He also notes this is due to polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants found in plants like tea lives, which research suggests can help prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.

Results of a study testing the effects of black tea on rats, published in March 2018 in Lipids in Health and Disease Preventive Medicine, indicated that rats in the test group that ingested a theaflavin-based solution, another antioxidant polyphenol found in black tea, and saw a 10. 39 percent reduction in cholesterol, 10.84 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol, and 6.6 percent reduction in triglycerides.

However, less caffeine does not mean there are no harmful effects associated with black tea. Black tea has the highest amount of caffeine out of any type of tea, with an 8-ounce cup containing 47 milligrams (mg) of caffeine depending on how long it’s brewed, notes Mayo Clinic.

While black tea has less caffeine than coffee, the caffeine level varies depending on the tea, brand, processed, and how long it steeps. People with heart problems and those who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine daily, or roughly four cups of black tea daily.

Derocha says that the tannins, a class of polyphenol, may also give people an upset stomach, among other potential side effects.

“Tannins in black tea can also decrease iron absorption from plant-based foods,” Derocha explains. “That’s why there’s tea time. You’re not supposed to have tea with your meals for a reason. ”

Finally, Derocha says that black tea can interfere with mental health drugs, and you should speak to your doctor if you are taking medication or trying a new tea.

961

Green Tea: May Lower Your Cholesterol if You’re an Avid Tea Drinker

Getty Images

For your heart health, it pays to go green.

Powerful antioxidants in green tea — especially one called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG — can help prevent atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in the arteries.

“Because green tea is a steamed tea leaf and not as processed as black or oolong, you’re going to get a little more of the tea leaves health benefits,” says Derocha. “Steam tea leaves have a higher concentration of EGCG, an antioxidant that helps prevent plaque buildup in our arteries.”

And drinking green tea is also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in habitual tea drinkers, according to a review published in May 2022 in Food Science and Human Wellness.

The benefits of green tea led researchers to declare that “tea drinkers live longer” in a study published in January 2020 in the European Society of Cardiology. After surveying 101,000 participants in China, scientists found drinking green tea was linked with approximately 25 percent lower risk of living with heart disease or after a stroke, the chance of dying from heart disease and stroke, and general death. Participants were split between two groups: habitual tea drinkers (three times or more a week) or not.

However, it’s worth noting that these benefits are strongest with habitual tea drinkers, and more so for those drinking more than one cup of green tea a day.

This might not be doable for everyone. Derocha says that people with caffeine sensitivity should watch how much green tea they drink, just like black tea. An 8-ounce cup of green tea gives you 28 mg of caffeine depending on how long it’s brewed, notes Mayo Clinic.

962

White Tea: Protective Against Cancer, but Not the Heart

Natasha Breen/Adobe Stock

White tea is harvested from the young buds of the tea plant and only briefly processed.

“White tea has the most potent anti-cancer properties compared with some of the more processed teas like black tea or oolong,” says Derocha. “It also has catechins, a polyphenol that can protect us from cell damage, whether that be aging or from a chronic condition.”

A study published in Food Chemistry found that white tea may protect the DNA of normal cells against cell damage from colon cancer, acting as a potential chemotherapeutic agent by inhibiting colon cancer cells.

Regarding heart health, research is limited. Mintz says that while white tea does have antioxidant effects, there aren’t any specific studies exploring the link between the two.

Also, check with your doctor if you’re taking a blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin) or are sensitive to caffeine. White tea does contain caffeine, which can speed your heart rate or increase your risk for high blood pressure.

963

Oolong Tea: Lowers Cholesterol but More Research Is Needed

Getty Images

Oolong tea is crushed tea leaves that have been oxidized for a period of time and then heated to stop the process.

A clinical study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that oolong tea may help lower cholesterol levels in the study population from Shantou, China. While the results showed that oolong tea was able to increase HDL cholesterol, it was inconsistent with previous studies.

Derocha cautions that oolong has a laxative effect and to be wary about what that can do to the body.

“It’s not a weight loss cure or supplement,” says Derocha. “That’s not how you want to sell anything because it could be dangerous for people.”

If you’re unsure how oolong tea will affect you, Derocha recommends speaking with a doctor. Like other teas, it can contradict medications like blood thinners.

964

Chamomile Tea: Enables You to Sleep, but Be Careful

Adobe Stock

This herbal tea is notorious for helping people sleep at night because it contains flavanoids, per research.

“Flavanoids help us relax and sleep, and it can also help reduce menstrual cramping and pain,” says Derocha. Sleep is also one of the best tools for dealing with inflammation or healing from an injury, she notes.

Sleep is also vital to heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s recent Life’s “Essential 8” fact sheet measuring a person’s cardiovascular health.

Getting restful sleep is necessary too. A study published in March 2021 in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that poor sleep quality was associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular diseases.

Sometimes the tea works so well that doctors tell patients not to drink chamomile before surgery because it can cause them to be too relaxed and have an adverse effect with anesthesia, says Derocha.

Patients with a coronary artery stent or who are taking aspirin or warfarin blood thinners should consult their doctor before drinking chamomile tea because it may increase the risk for internal bleeding.

“Just like with black tea, pharmacists and doctors want to know what herbal teas you drink,” says Derocha. “Just so they know in case your medication isn’t working.”

965

Ginseng Tea: Safer to Drink Than Take in Capsule Form

Jinho Park/Adobe Stock

Though ginseng has not been officially evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), drinking it may potentially give a boost to your heart. A review in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that ginseng could help with cardiovascular function like increasing blood circulation, but ultimately, more studies need to be done.

“Ginseng is trickier because it can come in tea or capsule form,” says Derocha. “But ginseng is known to help improve overall health by boosting our immune system.”

While ginseng is more popular in Asian counties, it is used as a dietary supplement in the United States for everything from overall health to erectile dysfunction.

A systemic review published in March 2019 in the EPMA Journal found that ginseng supplements may be linked to increased bleeding. However, the results are inconsistent to each other, nor does it exhibit the same qualities as a blood thinner medication.

Derocha warns that ginseng supplements are sometimes touted as “miracle capsules” but with little proof of doing anything miraculous or with the approval of the FDA. If you want ginseng, it is best as tea.

As with most teas, talk to your doctor if you’re taking blood thinners like warfarin or anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix).

966

St. John’s Wort: Risky Combined With Heart Meds

Natalya Bond/Shutterstock

You may have heard that St. John’s wort can help treat symptoms of depression, but be wary of drinking this tea if you have a heart condition.

For those who take digoxin or ivabradine, taking St. John’s wort can reduce these drugs’ effects, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

The organization also notes that while there has been extensive research on St. John’s wort for depression, the interactions with some medications can be life-threatening.

Derocha says she would rather you drink ginseng tea instead if you are looking for a herbal tea. Black and green tea are also still the best option for heart health.

967

Rooibos (Red Tea): Has Potential but Evidence Is Still Iffy

Adobe Stock

Red tea is a South African herb that is fermented. While, like chamomile tea, it has plant flavonoids with cancer-fighting properties, medical studies have been limited.

A clinical study of 40 people published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that consuming six cups of rooibos tea daily for six weeks decreased LDL cholesterol and boosted HDL cholesterol. Still, the same effects were not seen in healthy people.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t drink it, notes Derocha.

“We talk about [eating] a rainbow of color with fruits and vegetables and getting a little bit of color from everything because there’s a variety of nutrition that you’ll get,” she says. “I feel the same way about tea. I think we should have red, black, white, and green tea because you’ll get different perks.”

Teatime can be good for your health

Next to water, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and at just a couple of calories per serving, it’s loaded with flavonoids that make it one of the world’s healthiest beverages as well.

“There are really only three drinks that I ever recommend humans consume,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. “The best is water, and next would be unsweetened tea and unsweetened coffee. Everything else, unfortunately, doesn’t really have any benefit, and many (when laden with sugar) cause significant harm.

“It makes my job very easy when people say, ‘What should I drink?'”

Studies show tea consumption, along with a heart-healthy diet, may improve some brain function, ward off some cancers, defend against heart disease by boosting “good” cholesterol and help with weight control. It may even reduce bad breath.

A 2018 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that tea appears to slow the natural decrease in heart-helping HDL cholesterol as a person ages. Those findings pair well with previous research that suggests tea also reduces low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, known as “bad” cholesterol. Studies also show tea may reduce blood sugar levels and help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Black and green tea are the most popular kinds, accounting for 99% of the tea consumed in the United States. Both kinds of tea are loaded with caffeine and antioxidants called polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and better heart health. There are some slight differences; black tea, for example, contains more caffeine while green tea has a slightly better antioxidant profile.

Experts are quick to point out, however, that tea’s health benefits can be negated if sugar or other unhealthy ingredients are added.

“It’s very easy to take a low-calorie beverage and make it incredibly unhealthy by adding tons of sugar or honey,” Freeman said. “If you go to parts of the South – the stroke belt, so to speak – they actually have a surprising amount of ‘superfoods’ in their diet, but they also have some of the highest rates of heart disease. Why is that?

“When you adulterate those foods, for instance making sweet tea from regular tea, it ends up with a lot more adverse cardiac outcomes. “

While temperature also may seem to be a matter of individual preference, cooler tea may prove to be a healthier choice.

“Some studies found that drinking very hot tea – 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher – was associated with a high risk of esophageal and/or gastric cancer,” said Dr. Xiang Gao, director of the Nutritional Epidemiology Lab at Pennsylvania State University. “So, if you drink tea, do not drink the tea that is too hot.”

Though experts say tea is a safe, natural beverage that is a better choice than processed, sweetened beverages, there can be negative side effects if a person consumes too much.

For example, drinking too much tea could lead to an iron deficiency because tea is rich in tannins, which can bind to iron and keep it from being absorbed in the digestive tract. Tea drinkers also face the same caffeine-related dangers that coffee drinkers face; too much can cause anxiety, restlessness or trouble sleeping.

Still, tea makes for a healthier beverage choice than juice or soda, provided it’s in its natural form with no added ingredients.

“If you go to your local coffee shop and you order a pink dragonfruit yada yada yada, those are loaded with sugar,” Freeman said. “They’re really delicious, and you see people drinking them, and they think they’re healthy because they contain exotic fruits, but they’re mostly sugar. It is possible to go to a coffee shop and get plain (unsweetened) coffee, plain (unsweetened) tea – or plain green tea for that matter – but you have to really be careful what you’re consuming.”

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].

The doctor named five main drinks for heart health – Moscow 24, 05/14/2022

May 14, 2022, 08:35

Society

Photo: Depositphotos/Belchonock

For heart health, you should drink cocoa, green tea, coffee, broth, decoction rose hips and beetroot juice. Moscow 24 was told about this by a nutritionist, candidate of biological sciences Alexander Miroshnikov.

According to the specialist, cocoa contains potassium and magnesium, which are responsible for good heart function.

It is magnesium and potassium that lower blood pressure… Therefore, drink a cup of cocoa every morning and your heart will receive these trace elements.

Alexander Miroshnikov

nutritionist, candidate of biological sciences

Cocoa also contains theobromine alkaloid, which is slightly weaker than caffeine, but still excites the nervous system. Therefore, it is advisable to drink this drink in the morning, the expert advised. “Otherwise, people who are sensitive to caffeine alkaloids will practically not be able to fall asleep,” Miroshnikov said in an interview with the Doctor 24 program.

You can also drink green tea in the morning. According to the nutritionist, it contains epigallocatechin gallate, which strengthens blood vessels. A specialist advises to consume no more than 2-3 cups per day.

Coffee can also benefit the body. Many studies have shown that people who drink 2-3 cups of this drink are 20% less likely to suffer from heart defects, the expert says. Thanks to other research work, it was possible to find out that 2-3 cups of coffee a day reduce the deposition of calcium in the vessels, Miroshnikov continues.

The heart is the same muscle, it starts to train. What happens when you drink coffee? It beats faster, that is, we train our heart.

Alexander Miroshnikov

nutritionist, candidate of biological sciences

However, you should not drink coffee with hypertension, the nutritionist specified. You can replace it with green tea, and cocoa is better. Theobromine contained in the latter does not increase blood pressure so much, the expert explains.

Rosehip decoction is also good for the heart. It contains a large amount of vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels and helps fight blood clots, the specialist says. Miroshnikov recommends drinking the decoction immediately after brewing.

“In no case do we leave it for a day or two. Vitamin C is destroyed. Therefore, we brewed it and drank it. If you have heart problems or just love your heart, drink at least a glass of brewed rose hips every day,” the expert advises.

Beetroot and beetroot juice will strengthen our heart twice. The fact is that beets contain nitric oxide NO2, which dilates our blood vessels and helps the heart breathe. The heart from beet juice begins to breathe.

Alexander Miroshnikov

nutritionist, candidate of biological sciences

In addition, beetroot juice contains the substance betaine. Researchers have noticed that it is it that lowers the level of homocysteine ​​in the body, the expert explains. Homocysteine ​​is an amino acid that is fixed during vascular injury, the specialist said.

According to Miroshnikov, if a person already has problems with blood vessels, the level of homocysteine ​​in the blood can be very high. “As soon as a person begins to consume betaine or beetroot juice, the level of homocysteine ​​drops. This indicates that the vessels begin to heal,” the specialist concluded.

Earlier, a cardiologist, Honored Doctor of Russia Yuri Serebryansky said that the consumption of sweet, salty, and fatty dairy products negatively affects heart health. In addition, the specialist warned about the dangers of coffee. With the abuse of this drink, blood pressure rises, the cardiologist recalled.

Medvedeva Svetlana

societyexclusive

More news in the telegram channel Moscow 24 Subscribe!

Media news2

Tea drinking linked to lower risk of heart disease

and also live longer than those who drink tea rarely or not at all. The correlation found, however, is stronger for men than women and for green tea drinkers rather than black tea drinkers. In addition, drinking tea, apparently, is necessary not only regularly, but also for a long time – at least for eight years. The study was published in the journal European Journal of Preventive Cardiology .

Tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which come from its antioxidant flavonoids. They neutralize the action of reactive oxygen species released by immune cells during inflammation, and thereby reduce the amount of tissue damage. At the same time, antioxidants can also work inside cells, suppressing oxidative stress in them. Therefore, tea, along with other sources of antioxidants, is considered a possible means of extending the life of humans and animals – or at least getting rid of age-related diseases.

The results of studies on the possible beneficial effects of tea on life, however, are inconsistent: in some studies they are not connected at all, in others tea consumption is correlated with good health, but not with a long life. At the same time, it is known that excessive consumption of antioxidants can also lead to the opposite effect – increase the risk of premature death.

A team of researchers from the Beijing Unified Medical College led by Dongfeng Gu made another attempt to understand how tea affects people’s health. To do this, scientists took a sample of 100902 Chinese people aged 16-74 who had no previous history of heart disease or cancer and had their health monitored for several years (about seven on average).

The amount of tea consumed was assessed by scientists using questionnaires, while only Chinese tea (from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis ) was taken into account, regardless of the type of preparation and strength of the drink. The study participants were divided into two groups: those who rarely or never drink tea (up to three cups per week), and those who drink tea (three or more cups per week). The latter turned out to be only 31.6 percent, and more often they were smoking men who drank alcohol. Among them, almost half were green tea drinkers, eight percent drank black tea, and 43 percent drank flavored teas.

When calculating the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the researchers took into account gender, age, region of residence, place of residence (urban or rural), level of education, family history of diseases, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, type of diet, body mass index and condition of cardio-vascular system. Taking into account all these factors, people who drank tea regularly, the risk of developing atherosclerosis, stroke and coronary heart disease was about 20 percent lower than those who rarely or never drank tea.

The risk of death among tea drinkers was 15 percent lower, and on average they developed cardiovascular diseases later: for example, atherosclerosis by 1.41 years. As a result, life expectancy at age 50 increased by 1.26 years.

Dividing the sample into subgroups, the researchers found that the effect of tea depends on many factors. For example, the correlations were strongest in men, while in women the risk of only atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease was significantly reduced, but not of stroke or death. The point, however, may be that there are more male tea lovers in the sample than women.

It also turned out that the risk of death and disease is reduced only in those who drink a lot of tea constantly – for at least eight years. In those who started or stopped drinking it during the observation period, no significant correlations could be found.

Finally, the authors of the work noticed that the effect is observed mainly for green tea, and not for black.