Global deaths due to cardiovascular issues are responsible for 31% of total deaths, with 80% of those deaths taking place in low and middle-income countries. Based on the 2016 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update which is gathered annually by the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health among other foundations, cardiovascular disease was announced as the leading global cause of death leading to approximately 17.3 million mortalities every year, a figure that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030.
With such a devastating global trend of people suffering from cardiac problems, scientists doubled up their efforts to find a solution. Various health studies conducted around the world search for natural remedies which include highlighting tea to help maintain a healthy heart. The research shows that drinking tea regularly may reduce cardiac problems by 25% which is directly related to the tea drinking habits of our ancestors.
To find a link between tea and cardiovascular problems, a number of studies have already been carried out which revealed that catechins, a plant chemical and a type of polyphenol, is responsible for green tea’s healthy heart properties.
Tea has a significant role in lowering the Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides which are directly associated with the reduction in death rate from heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, other studies show that people who consume five (5) cups of green tea or more a day will have at least a 26% lower risk compared to those who drink less. According to the research article published in the Journal of American College Nutrition, habitual tea consumption provides a shielding influence to fight against arterial stiffness, especially for those who have regularly consumed tea of >10g daily for more than 6 years.
There are also recent studies mentioning that tea flavonoids can have a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the artery walls and can cause the arteries to narrow.
With the increasing rate of heart attacks in the world, it’s high time to change dietary habits. As recommended by most dieticians, drink 4-5 cups of tea daily to keep a healthy heart.
Goldenberg , I., et.al. (2010). Beta-blocker efficacy in high-risk patients with the congenital long-QT syndrome types 1 and 2: implications for patient management. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 21(8), 893–901. doi: 10.1111 /j.1540-8167.2010.01737
Mozaffarian D., et.al. (2015) Heart disease and stroke statistics—2016 update: a report from the American Heart Association. (Retrieved 15 September 2016). doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000350
Lin, Q.F., et.al. (2016). A Cross-sectional Study of the Relationship between Habitual Tea Consumption and Arterial Stiffness. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 35(4). 354-61. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2015.1058197