Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in Pakistan and many other parts of the world, with millions of people relying on it to start or end their day. However, new research suggests that both the frequency of tea consumption and the temperature at which it is consumed may be associated with heart health.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine examined health and lifestyle data from more than 485,000 people aged between 30 and 79 to investigate the relationship between tea-drinking habits and cardiovascular diseases.
Participants provided information about their tea consumption, including how frequently they drank it, the type of tea they preferred and the temperature at which they usually consumed it.
Researchers followed the participants for approximately nine years. During this period, more than 14,800 cases of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks, strokes and diseases affecting the heart’s blood vessels, were recorded.
According to the findings, people who drank tea at least three days a week had an approximately 11 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, compared with those who did not drink tea.
The researchers also considered other factors that could influence heart health, such as age, smoking, physical activity, body weight and existing medical conditions.
The study further suggested that the potential benefits of tea consumption might be more pronounced among people who did not smoke. Black tea was also associated with favourable cardiovascular outcomes.
Researchers noted that tea contains naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may contribute to some of the potential health benefits associated with tea consumption.
The findings suggest that regular tea drinking may be associated with better cardiovascular health, but they do not establish that tea directly prevents heart disease. Further research is needed to understand the relationship and the role played by tea type, consumption habits and drinking temperature.
For tea lovers, the findings highlight the importance of moderation and allowing tea to cool before drinking it, rather than consuming it at an excessively high temperature.
Read also: New study reveals surprising health benefits of eating walnuts daily
