Drinking Green Tea Could Have An Unexpected Effect On Your Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death around the world, so it stands to reason that many people are looking for new ways to improve their heart health. Healthy eating habits and exercise go a long way as do avoiding tobacco and managing stress. But a popular drink could also lend a helping hand in your health journey. A growing body of research is showing that green tea can be surprisingly beneficial for heart health in several ways.

Throughout East Asia green tea has been a popular beverage and form of traditional medicine for centuries. More recently though, modern science has been exploring the potential health benefits of this drink. Researchers have looked into green tea's health benefits, finding that it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help people maintain a healthy weight when combined with diet and exercise. Some studies have also found that green tea may help people regulate their blood glucose levels, improve bone mineral density, and even reduce the risks of some types of cancer. At the same time, research is finding that green tea can help improve cholesterol profiles, lower blood pressure, and reduce the damage caused to blood vessels by oxidative stress.

Green tea comes from the leaves of the same plant as black tea, only they are heated and dried immediately after harvest instead of being allowed to ferment. This is what gives green tea its lighter taste and color. The way that green tea is processed also reduces its caffeine content while leaving more of the beneficial compounds in the leaves behind. Green tea does contain caffeine, though only half as much as black tea and around a quarter of the amount found in a regular cup of coffee.

However, where green tea really shines is in its antioxidant content. Green tea contains large amounts of polyphenols, including a catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Research has found that EGCG can help arteries relax and reduce inflammation, which in turn can reduce blood pressure. The compound can also inhibit oxidation of lipids and reduce production of enzymes that play a role in cholesterol production. Studies have found small decreases in total cholesterol and the so-called bad LDL cholesterol along with slight increases in HDL, also known as good cholesterol.

In addition to caffeine and EGCG, green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine. Less attention has been paid to L-theanine, though recent research is finding that it can reduce blood pressure and improve lipid profiles. This compound may also have relaxing and stress-relieving properties, which could help with heart health.

The potential health benefits of green tea are becoming more apparent, but it's not a magic cure-all. Research has found that the greatest benefits come from light to moderate consumption. One study found that people who drank two cups of green tea per day had a 16% lower risk of heart disease; however, those who drank five or more cups per day saw no additional improvement. Also, since green tea contains caffeine, drinking it later in the day could interfere with sleep. However, decaffeinated green tea has many of the same benefits and can be consumed in the evening or enjoyed by people who are sensitive to caffeine.

The general recommendation is to drink moderate amounts of green tea, one to four cups daily, as part of an overall balanced diet. And while sugary drinks are among the worst things for heart health, a small amount of honey or squeeze of lemon or orange can improve green tea's flavor. Additionally, vitamin C from citrus can help the body more effectively use the EGCG in green tea, as can a splash of milk. Hot or cold, or however you drink it, evidence is demonstrating that moderate consumption of green tea can be a refreshing part of a heart-healthy routine.