Regular tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing vascular disease, according to two recent scientific publications that examined the links between tea consumption, inflammation and cardiovascular health.
One study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine analysed data from 485,934 adults in China, who were followed for an average of just over nine years. During this period, 14,863 participants developed vascular disease.
Key findings on tea consumption
Nutrition scientist Dr Emma Derbyshire, from the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP), said the results showed a potential health benefit. She said: "The researchers found that regular tea drinkers had approximately 11% lower relative risk of vascular disease over time, compared with the reference group."
GP with a special interest in nutrition and dietetics, Dr Nisa Aslam, also a member of TAP, explained that the research suggested how tea was consumed could make a difference. The findings indicated that black tea with or without milk showed more consistent links with lower vascular disease risk than green tea, and moderate-strength tea was associated with lower risk. The lowest estimated risk was observed at approximately 6-8 cups daily among weekly tea drinkers, although this does not establish an ideal or recommended intake.
Tea and a healthy lifestyle
The study also looked at tea drinking alongside other lifestyle habits. People who regularly drank tea, did not smoke and were highly physically active had the lowest observed vascular disease risk. This reinforces an important message: heart health is influenced by our overall lifestyle, rather than any single food or drink.
It is also important to consider that this was an observational study. It identified associations between tea drinking and vascular health rather than the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Could tea help reduce inflammation?
The experts advise that inflammation is part of the body's natural defence system, helping us respond to infections and injuries. However, when inflammation persists over time, it can contribute to the development of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
A review independently authored by Dr Emma Derbyshire, Dr Tim Bond and Dr Nisa Aslam screened 131 scientific publications and included 22 high-quality studies that met the review's rigorous inclusion criteria, encompassing reviews, meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials.
Researcher and natural chemist, Dr Tim Bond, also from TAP, explained: "Black tea contains potentially anti-inflammatory compounds, including tea polyphenols - flavan-3-ols theaflavins, thearubigins and catechins and some studies suggested that drinking black tea could help improve markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, particularly among individuals with higher levels of inflammation.
"In addition, Tea polyphenols can help defend against harmful molecules that can damage cells, while also boosting the body's own built-in antioxidant defences. Most studies examined intakes equivalent to approximately 3–4 cups daily."
Dr Emma Derbyshire added: "These latest findings add to growing scientific evidence highlighting the potential cardiovascular benefits of tea. Abundant in naturally occurring plant compounds, known as bioactives, tea may offer benefits beyond hydration and could play a useful role in a heart-healthy lifestyle. Further research is now needed to understand how these tea bioactive compounds influence cardiovascular health across different populations."
Dr Nisa Aslam agreed, saying: "Black tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been found to block oxidative damage caused by inflammatory reactions and protect against damage to the lining cells of organs like the digestive tract and airway. Together, these compounds provide a realistic mechanism for the inflammation-reducing effects of black tea observed by scientists."
She added: "For people who enjoy tea, these new research findings offer great evidence that regular tea drinking may form part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and looking after blood pressure and cholesterol continue to remain important foundations of cardiovascular health. So, pop the kettle on and enjoy the wellness benefits of tea with our without milk, full of anti-inflammatory plant bioactives and great news for our heart health."
