Tea and Heart Health: What You Need to Know

by Jody Dotson

Tea has been shown to have several benefits for heart health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Here are some ways in which tea can benefit heart health:

  1. Reduces risk of heart disease: Drinking tea, particularly green tea, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is due to the presence of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

  2. Lowers blood pressure: Some types of tea, such as hibiscus tea, have been shown to help lower blood pressure. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  3. Improves cholesterol levels: Tea, particularly black tea, has been shown to improve cholesterol levels by reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

  4. Improves blood vessel function: Tea, particularly green tea, has been shown to improve blood vessel function, which is important for heart health. This is due to the presence of catechins, a type of antioxidant that can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

  5. Reduces risk of stroke: Drinking tea, particularly green tea, has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke. This is due to the presence of polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

  6. Lowers risk of heart attack: Drinking tea, particularly green tea, has been shown to lower the risk of heart attack. This is due to the presence of catechins, which can help improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.

Overall, incorporating tea into a healthy diet and lifestyle can provide several benefits for heart health. By choosing different types of tea and incorporating them into a balanced diet and exercise routine, you can support overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease and related conditions.