A healthy heart can extend your life, according to studies. More than 121 million Americans are currently living with some form of heart disease. These individuals are usually advised to eat healthily, participate in regular exercise, and lower stress levels. But research has found that regularly drinking tea could also contribute to better heart health. Let’s find out how consuming tea can help your heart.
What Science Says
One of the strongest tea-supporting studies was carried out in China over a period of 22 years. More than 100,000 participants took part. Researchers concluded that drinking more than 3 cups of tea every week lowered the risk of cardiovascular illness by 20%. Tea consumption also reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 22%. Another Chinese-based study of more than 80,000 people found that regularly drinking tea decreased the chance of cardiovascular illness by 8%. Green tea was noted to be more beneficial than black tea.
Good Teas For The Heart
There are hundreds of types of tea and some of them are better for your heart than others. Green tea is a good choice as studies have found that it breaks down plaques that can block the heart. Drinking 5 cups of green tea per day can also lower the risk of death from a heart attack by 26%. Another good option is black tea as drinking 3 cups per day can reduce triglyceride levels and improve cholesterol, both of which are good news for the heart. Fans of camomile tea will be pleased to hear that it relaxes blood vessels which will help to slow your heart rate down and keep your blood pressure in check. Oolong, hibiscus, and red tea are just a few other teas that may help your heart, too. Regularly drinking a variety of tea can be a good option. You can even have different varieties sent directly to your home. They’ll include information such as ideal steeping times which will give you the best flavor.
How Tea Benefits The Heart
Now you know that tea does wonders for your heart, you’re probably keen to find out how it helps it. Tea is rich in flavonoids and contains 172 mg per 235 ml of tea. Flavonoids are essential as they stop blood clots from forming. They also play a role in lowering bad cholesterol and preventing inflammation. Tea also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed to stop cholesterol from turning into plaques that bind to the arteries. Lowering cholesterol levels is another important part that tea plays in keeping your heart healthy. High cholesterol puts you at greater risk of heart disease. Researchers have reported that tea (green tea in particular) works to lower LDL cholesterol levels which are also known as ‘bad cholesterol’.
A healthy heart is the key to a long and happy life. There are lots of ways to keep your heart in top condition and tea should play a key role in this too.
