Drinking 10 Cups of Tea Daily Linked to Heart Health Benefits

Recent research indicates that consuming a beloved beverage in the UK, particularly black tea, may significantly improve heart health. A study by cardiologists at Nanying University in China found that drinking around ten cups a day—approximately 1.2 litres—can reduce the risk of heart disease by 16 percent compared to non-tea drinkers. This revelation highlights the strong connection between tea consumption and cardiovascular well-being.

The analysis, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, synthesized data from 14 previous studies. While moderate tea drinkers, those consuming a few cups daily, experience some heart health benefits—about 5 percent reduced risk—the substantial protective effects are only observed at higher consumption levels.

Insights from a Large Study

The research involved nearly 1 million participants, specifically 958,477 individuals, among whom 16,990 developed heart disease. This extensive dataset provides a robust foundation for understanding the relationship between tea intake and heart health. The findings suggest that the beneficial properties of black tea stem primarily from its natural compounds, which may be diminished by added sugars or milk.

The team from Nanying University emphasized the importance of unsweetened black tea for heart health. They stated, “Our analysis demonstrates that black tea consumption was associated with a reduced heart disease risk. Our results support recommendations for black tea consumption to the primary prevention of heart disease.”

While the research did not specifically address the effects of milky tea, it noted that two studies conducted in the UK included participants who typically consume tea with milk. This leaves an open question regarding how milk might influence the health benefits attributed to tea.

Tea’s Cultural Significance and Health Benefits

According to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, tea holds a significant cultural place in British society, with people in the UK consuming around 100 million cups each day. The latest findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about the health advantages of tea, particularly black tea, which has often been overshadowed by the health claims surrounding green tea.

Green tea is known for its high antioxidant levels and lower caffeine content, yet this recent research reinforces that black tea also offers noteworthy cardiovascular protection. Despite these promising results, scientists continue to investigate the precise mechanisms through which tea benefits heart health, indicating that further research is necessary.

In summary, while enjoying a few cups of tea daily provides some heart health benefits, increasing consumption to around ten cups could yield more substantial protective effects against heart disease. As studies continue to explore this connection, tea remains a cherished part of British culture and potentially a valuable ally in promoting cardiovascular health.