This tea is proven to fight inflammation and support heart health
Named tea that helps prevent heart disease (photo: Magnific)
Green tea may play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Bioactive compounds in the drink help improve blood vessel health, reduce inflammation, and normalize cholesterol levels, according to Eating Well.
How green tea prevents heart disease
Supports blood vessel health
Regular consumption of green tea may help lower blood pressure, contributing to the prevention of hypertension, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
This antihypertensive effect is due to a high amount of antioxidants called catechins, in particular epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
A study published in the journal Hypertension notes that EGCG helps improve blood vessel function by promoting artery relaxation and reducing inflammation. This may improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the overall risk of heart disease with regular consumption.
Improves lipid profile
Catechins in green tea also support blood vessel health by playing an important role in lipid regulation. They inhibit key enzymes involved in lipid synthesis and reduce lipid absorption in the intestines.
As an antioxidant, EGCG also suppresses lipoprotein oxidation, which helps lower cholesterol levels.
Rich in antioxidants
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body, helping to counteract the harmful impact of oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system.
Thanks to the strong antioxidant action of green tea catechins, they identify and neutralize free radicals, helping bind aggressive metals and reduce harmful oxidation reactions.
Supports gut health
A study published in the journal Nutrition Research found that green tea extract in doses equivalent to five cups of green tea per day improves intestinal barrier function and reduces circulating endotoxins in both healthy adults and people with metabolic syndrome.
How to drink tea for heart health
Drink with fruit or milk. Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Adding citrus fruits to green tea or consuming it with vitamin C-rich foods can increase EGCG bioavailability by 56–76%.
In addition, drinking tea with milk also increases EGCG bioavailability by up to 52%.
Limit sweeteners. Green tea is best consumed with minimal sugar, as excess sugar may counteract its heart health benefits.
A little lemon or orange juice, or a drop of honey, can add flavor or natural sweetness.
Add ice. Enjoy green tea hot or iced, as both options have significant benefits. If you prefer cold tea, brew it at 20°C for 12 hours to maximize vitamin C, epicatechin, and EGCG content.
Avoid excessively hot or overly long brewing. Brewing green tea at 77°C for 20–30 minutes provides the highest overall catechin content.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
