A common mistake in drinking tea may deprive your heart of its health benefits

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages around the world, as it has a distinctive taste and many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and dementia. In this context, a recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine indicates that the method of preparing and drinking tea, including its type, concentration, and temperature, may affect cardiovascular health.

In order to understand the results of the study and its health implications, Ofoq News spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and assistant professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. She also previously served as Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

Ofoq News: What are the most prominent findings of this new study regarding tea consumption and cardiovascular diseases? Dr. Leana Wen: The study showed that drinking tea at least three days a week was associated with an 11% lower risk of developing vascular disease, compared to drinking it less frequently.

These results came after taking into account several factors, including age, smoking, physical activity, body weight, and health status of the participants. The study also indicated that drinking medium-strength tea is associated with lower health risks, while black tea recorded a lower risk of developing a greater number of cardiovascular diseases compared to green tea.

In contrast, drinking very hot tea increased the risk of developing vascular disease by 16% compared to those who did not drink it regularly, while this risk decreased among those who drank it warm or hot enough not to the point of burning. But this study had some limitations: The researchers relied on participants' estimates of the tea's temperature rather than actually measuring it, and they couldn't rule out the effects of other factors, such as diet and lifestyle.

Ofoq News: How does drinking tea contribute to improving heart health? Dr. Liana Wen: Tea contains natural compounds known as “polyphenols,” most notably “flavonoids,” which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help protect the cells lining the blood vessels and enhance the ability of the arteries to relax and expand, which may contribute to lowering blood pressure and reducing the burden on the heart. Studies have shown that drinking tea may help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and is associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In general, replacing sweetened beverages with unsweetened tea reduces sugar consumption and helps control weight, which may improve heart health. Ofoq News: What is the difference between black and green tea in terms of health benefits?

Dr. Leana Wen: Black and green tea come from the same plant, known as Camellia sinensis, but the way the leaves are processed affects the composition of the polyphenols found in both types. In this study, black tea was more consistently associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, with benefits also reported for green tea.

However, I do not advise green tea lovers to replace it with black, or vice versa, as both can be included in a diet that supports heart health, especially when drunk without added sugar. Ofoq News: What is the appropriate amount of tea per day?

Dr. Leana Wen: The study showed that people who drank 6 to 8 cups of tea per day had the lowest risk of developing vascular disease, while the risk increased when consuming larger amounts. However, the results do not mean that drinking this amount is appropriate for everyone, as the researchers relied on the participants' estimates, and did not use a standardized cup size.

Also, you should pay attention to the caffeine content in tea; An 8-ounce cup of black tea usually contains between 30 and 50 milligrams of caffeine, while green tea often contains a smaller amount. The US Food and Drug Administration notes that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is not usually associated with negative effects in most adults.

During pregnancy, it is recommended that caffeine consumption not exceed 200 milligrams per day, while it is preferable for children to avoid drinks that contain it. Ofoq News: What is your advice to those who drink tea regularly or are thinking about making it part of their diet?

Dr. Leana Wen: People should avoid drinking very hot tea, as it may cause burns to the mouth and throat, and frequent consumption of very hot drinks has been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is best to let the tea cool slightly before drinking it.

Black or green tea can be consumed without sugar, taking into account the amount of caffeine consumed daily, especially for people who suffer from sleep disorders, anxiety, or heart palpitations.