A couple of cups of green tea a day can keep the heart doctor away.

A study by Greek researchers published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation brings good tidings to green tea lovers. Not only does green tea have protective properties against cancer, it also provides protection against heart disease. It seems that green tea contains – (what else?) – lots of flavonoids, antioxidant compounds which are found in many healthy foods, from dark chocolates to blueberries to grapes. Furthermore, the researchers claim that green tea is even better that black tea.

Green tea seems to affect positive the cells lining the blood vessels. This helps the arteries to relax and improve blood flow.

I am a big fan of green tea myself and I just hope the experts don’t change their mind too soon. Look what they are saying about coffee.

Source:

Reuters Health, 2 July 2008

Research published in the medical journal, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, and which was undertaken in the University Hospital of Lille and Broussais in France on 9636 French people aged over 65 indicates that women who drink at least three cups of tea a day are less likely to have heart attacks and strokes. However, no such improvement was shown in men. A similar study was done on younger men and women, and no link between tea and heart disease and strokes was found. There also seemed to be no improvement in those who drank one or two cups of tea.

The aim of the research was to see whether there was a link between tea drinking and various other variables. It showed that as well as being linked with heart attacks and strokes, those women who drank more tea were less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes and a high body mass index. (BMI), they were also less likely to smoke. In men, those who drank tea were less likely to drink much alcohol or coffee and also less likely to eat meat. Both men and women who drank tea were more likely to eat fish, fruit and vegetables and to have a higher level of education.

Those women who had more than three cups of tea a day were found to have fewer plaques on the carotid arteries than those who did not. These plaques are a build up of cholesterol and fat and are linked to an increase in heart attacks and strokes. Apparently 34% of those who drank three or more cups of tea a day had plaques, compared to 44% of those who drank no tea all. Other factors such as weight and diet were also taken into account.

However, whilst the results tested for the plaques, due to the short length of the study, the actual incidence of hearts attacks or strokes was not measured. Also, the quantity of tea drunk was reported by the individual and not measured scientifically. In addition the type of tea drunk was not reported, whether it was black tea, green tea or something else.

However, keep drinking that tea!!

Further Information

Tea Good for Women?s Hearts

Tea Consumption Is Inversely Associated With Carotid Plaques in Women

Drinking Tea ? Is it Good or Bad?

This information is not meant to constitute medical advice, please speak to your doctor before changing your diet.

There is a great article over on WebMD about 15 foods that can save your heart! By eating these foods you can not only preserve your heart’s health but actually undo some of the damage you may have already acquired. Here’s the short list:

1. SWISS CHARD
2. FRESH HERBS
3. LOWFAT OR NONFAT YOGURT
4. GARLIC
5. EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
6. ALMONDS
7. BARLEY
8. CAYENNE CHILI PEPPER
9. CARROTS
10. BROCCOLI
11. ORANGES
12. LEAN PORK
13. SALMON
14. BLACK BEANS
15. DRIED CHERRIES

The main article has terrific explanations why each of these foods is good for you.