Green Tea – A Key to a Longer, Healthier Life
A cup of tea a day could be more than just a calming routine. According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, regular consumption of green tea can prolong life and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This finding gives even deeper meaning to green tea, already known for its numerous health benefits.
The scientific breakthrough
Dr. Xinyan Wang and his colleagues at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing conducted a large study of 100,902 participants with no history of heart attack, stroke or cancer. Over a seven-year period, it was found that those who drank green tea at least three times a week had a significantly reduced risk of various cardiovascular diseases and a lower overall death rate.
Green tea and heart health
The study results are impressive: Regular tea drinkers had a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, a 22% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, and a 15% lower overall risk of dying from any cause. For a 50-year-old, this could mean that by consuming tea regularly they could live almost 1.5 years longer without heart disease and enjoy an extended life expectancy of around 1.26 years.
Why green tea?
Green tea particularly stands out in this regard. Compared to black tea, which loses some of its antioxidant polyphenols during the fermentation process, green tea retains these healthy compounds. These polyphenols are known to reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants in the body, making it a powerful ally for heart health.
Gender difference
Interestingly, the study results showed that the positive effects of green tea were more pronounced in men than in women. One explanation for this could be that men in the study population drank tea regularly more often than women. However, it is important to note that the benefits of green tea are independent of gender and everyone can benefit from a cup of this healthy drink.
Cultural differences and tea consumption
The study also highlights that the way tea is consumed can vary from culture to culture. In the Western world, black tea is more popular and is often drunk with milk or sugar. This could affect the health benefits of tea, especially considering that adding milk may potentially reduce the beneficial effects of tea polyphenols.
Conclusion: More than just a drink
This study confirms what many tea lovers have intuitively always known: tea, primarily green tea, is more than just a drink. It is a contribution to a longer, healthier life. Whether as a morning ritual, a relaxing afternoon break or as part of a healthy lifestyle, green tea is a simple but powerful way to promote heart health and prolong life.
Sources: Cordis https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/413293-trending-science-tea-helps-you-live-longer-study-finds/de
Sage Journals: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2047487319894685
Written by Michael Fertig
