A new study looked at tea drinking and health in nearly 500,000 people in China. Researchers followed them for about nine years on average. They recorded how much tea people drank and any new illnesses. People who drank tea at least three times a week had an 11.2% lower chance of heart and blood flow problems. These problems include heart attacks and strokes. A stroke is a serious problem with blood flow in the brain.
The middle amount people drank was between two and three cups a day. But people who drank six to eight cups a day had the lowest chance of these health problems. Black tea showed the clearest link to fewer problems, followed by green tea. Tea showed the best results when it was medium strength and not burning hot. Burning-hot tea showed a link to a 16% higher chance of these illnesses.
The study does not prove that tea stops heart problems. Researchers watched people's habits. They did not test tea as a treatment. Other food and daily habits could help explain the results. The study's authors say tea alone does not protect the heart. It should be part of a healthy way of life, alongside other ways to prevent disease.
