A new study suggests that drinking tea may reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in people who already have coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting about 1 in 20 adults.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 25,000 adults with CHD who were part of the UK Biobank. The participants were followed for an average of nearly 14 years. During that time, researchers tracked major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
The study found that drinking about three cups of tea per day was linked to a 17% lower risk of these events compared to drinking no tea. Drinking four or more cups daily still showed a benefit, but it did not provide additional protection beyond the three-cup mark.
The strongest protective effects were seen in people who had higher levels of inflammation at the start of the study. Tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers also noted that the benefit was more noticeable in people with lower levels of Lp(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease. However, the study did not find that Lp(a) levels explained tea’s protective effect. Instead, the findings suggest that inflammation may play a larger role in determining who benefits most from drinking tea.
The study did not specify which type of tea was consumed. Green tea has strong research backing for heart health, largely due to its high levels of catechins, including EGCG. Black, oolong, and herbal teas also contain beneficial plant compounds. People can mix different types of tea throughout the day to reach the three-cup target.
For those who do not drink tea, moderate coffee consumption, also around three cups per day, has been linked to heart health benefits in other research. People with CHD should be aware that caffeinated teas, such as green, black, and oolong, are best consumed earlier in the day to avoid sleep disruption. Herbal teas are a suitable option for afternoons and evenings.
