Scientists followed nearly 500,000 people in China for about nine years. They recorded their tea drinking and health problems. People who drank tea three or more times a week had an 11.2% lower chance of disease in their blood vessels. These are the tubes that carry blood around the body. The biggest difference was for a type of stroke. This happens when blood cannot reach part of the brain. Its risk was 36.6% lower.
The middle amount people drank was between two and three cups a day. However, people who drank six to eight cups had the lowest risk. Black tea showed the clearest link to lower risk, followed by green tea. Tea with a medium strength gave the best results when it was not too hot. Burning hot tea had a link to a 16% higher risk of blood vessel disease.
Tea has natural substances that may help protect blood vessels. But tea alone does not keep the heart healthy. The researchers say it should be part of a healthy way of life. The study watched people's habits; it did not prove that tea caused better health. Other differences in food and daily life could help explain the results.
