Which teas can improve heart health. How do different types of tea affect cardiovascular function. What are the potential risks of consuming certain teas for heart health. How much tea should you drink for optimal heart benefits.

The Power of Black Tea for Heart Health

Black tea has gained attention for its potential cardiovascular benefits. Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, this popular beverage may offer protection for your heart. But what exactly does the research say about black tea’s impact on heart health?

Studies suggest that black tea can improve blood vessel function and blood flow. The antioxidants found in black tea leaves may help prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and 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 important to consider the caffeine content of black tea. An 8-ounce cup contains approximately 47 milligrams of caffeine, which can vary depending on brewing time. People with heart conditions, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg 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 interaction with mental health medications

It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating black tea into your diet, especially if you’re taking medications or have pre-existing health conditions.

Green Tea: A Heart-Healthy Powerhouse

Green tea has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits, particularly its positive impact on cardiovascular health. What makes green tea so beneficial for your heart?

The secret lies in its powerful antioxidants, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This compound has been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in the arteries. Because green tea leaves are steamed and less processed than black or oolong tea, they retain a higher concentration of these beneficial compounds.

Research published in Food Science and Human Wellness in May 2022 found that drinking green tea is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially among habitual tea drinkers. A large-scale study of 101,000 participants in China, published in the European Society of Cardiology, revealed that regular green tea drinkers had approximately 25% lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality.

How Much Green Tea Should You Drink?

To reap the maximum benefits, studies suggest drinking more than one cup of green tea per day. Habitual tea drinkers, defined as those who consume tea three or more times a week, showed the most significant health improvements. However, it’s important to note that green tea does contain caffeine, which may not be suitable for everyone.

White Tea: The Delicate Heart Protector

White tea, the least processed of all teas, offers unique benefits for heart health. How does this delicate brew contribute to cardiovascular wellness?

White tea contains high levels of catechins, a type of polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties. These compounds have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved heart function. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that white tea extract was effective in reducing cholesterol absorption and improving lipid profiles in animal models.

Additionally, white tea has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the heart and blood vessels from damage caused by chronic inflammation. Its low caffeine content makes it a suitable option for those sensitive to stimulants or looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

Brewing Tips for Maximum Benefits

1. Use water that’s just below boiling (around 170°F)
2. Steep for 1-3 minutes to avoid bitterness
3. Avoid adding milk or sugar to preserve antioxidant content

Oolong Tea: Balancing Act for Heart Health

Oolong tea, partially oxidized and falling between green and black tea, offers a unique profile of heart health benefits. What makes oolong tea stand out in the world of cardiovascular wellness?

Research has shown that oolong tea may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that drinking oolong tea regularly was associated with a reduced risk of developing hypertension.

Oolong tea is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, polyphenols that have been linked to improved lipid metabolism and reduced cholesterol levels. These compounds may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis.

Oolong Tea and Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health, and oolong tea may offer support in this area. Some studies suggest that oolong tea can boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, potentially aiding in weight management efforts. However, more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

Herbal Teas: Nature’s Heart-Healthy Brews

Herbal teas, while not technically “tea” as they don’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant, offer a variety of heart health benefits. Which herbal infusions are particularly beneficial for cardiovascular wellness?

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea has been shown to have potential blood pressure-lowering effects. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming hibiscus tea daily for six weeks resulted in a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.

Hawthorn Tea

Hawthorn has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support heart health. Modern research suggests that hawthorn may help improve heart function and reduce symptoms of heart failure. A review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that hawthorn extract showed significant benefits for patients with chronic heart failure.

Rooibos Tea

This South African herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with improved heart health. Studies have shown that rooibos may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

Chai Tea: Spicing Up Heart Health

Chai tea, a flavorful blend of black tea and aromatic spices, offers a unique combination of cardiovascular benefits. How do the various components of chai contribute to heart health?

The base of black tea provides a rich source of flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health. Additionally, many of the spices commonly used in chai have their own cardiovascular benefits:

• Cinnamon: May help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Cardamom: Has been shown to have antihypertensive properties
• Ginger: May help reduce inflammation and improve blood lipid profiles
• Cloves: Contains compounds that may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that regular consumption of tea (including chai) was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

Preparing Heart-Healthy Chai

To maximize the health benefits of chai, consider preparing it with low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives. Avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar or sweeteners, as these can negate some of the heart-healthy effects of the tea.

Matcha: Concentrated Green Tea Power

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from whole green tea leaves, offers a concentrated dose of heart-healthy compounds. What makes matcha particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health?

The unique processing of matcha means that you consume the entire tea leaf, resulting in a higher concentration of antioxidants and beneficial compounds compared to steeped green tea. Matcha is especially rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to numerous heart health benefits.

Research published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that regular consumption of green tea, including matcha, was associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease. The high concentration of antioxidants in matcha may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are key factors in the development of heart disease.

Matcha and Cholesterol

Studies have shown that matcha may help improve lipid profiles by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea consumption was associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations.

Incorporating Matcha into Your Diet

• Enjoy matcha as a traditional tea whisked with hot water
• Add matcha powder to smoothies or yogurt
• Use matcha in baking for a heart-healthy twist on desserts

Potential Risks and Considerations

While tea can offer numerous heart health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and considerations. How can you safely incorporate tea into your heart-healthy lifestyle?

Caffeine Sensitivity

Many teas contain caffeine, which can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with caffeine sensitivity or certain heart conditions should consult their healthcare provider about their tea consumption. Herbal teas are generally caffeine-free and may be a suitable alternative.

Interactions with Medications

Some teas can interact with medications, including those for heart conditions. For example, green tea may interact with blood thinners like warfarin. Always inform your healthcare provider about your tea consumption, especially if you’re taking medications.

Added Sugars and Calories

Be mindful of how you prepare your tea. Adding sugar, honey, or high-calorie creamers can negate some of the heart health benefits. Opt for unsweetened tea or use natural, low-calorie sweeteners in moderation.

Quality and Contamination

Choose high-quality, organic teas when possible to minimize exposure to pesticides and other contaminants. Be cautious with herbal teas, as some may contain ingredients that aren’t well-regulated or studied for their effects on heart health.

Moderation is Key

While tea can be part of a heart-healthy diet, it’s not a magic solution. Enjoy tea as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, which should include regular exercise, stress management, and other heart-healthy habits.

By being aware of these considerations and consulting with healthcare professionals, you can safely enjoy the potential heart health benefits of various teas while minimizing risks.

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.

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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.

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

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“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.

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

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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.

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White Tea: Protective Against Cancer, but Not the Heart

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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.

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Oolong Tea: Lowers Cholesterol but More Research Is Needed

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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.

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Chamomile Tea: Enables You to Sleep, but Be Careful

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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.”

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Ginseng Tea: Safer to Drink Than Take in Capsule Form

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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).

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.