Regular tea drinking is linked to a lower risk of vascular diseases, which affect blood vessels and include stroke and heart attack, according to a new study. Researchers followed nearly 500,000 people in China for an average of nine years, recording their tea habits and illnesses. Those who drank tea at least three times a week had an 11.2% lower overall risk of these diseases.
The median intake—the middle amount among participants—was between two and three cups daily. However, the lowest associated risk appeared among people drinking six to eight cups a day. Black tea had the strongest and most consistent association with lower risk, followed by green tea. Preparation also mattered: moderately strong tea that was not scalding showed the best results. In contrast, burning-hot tea was linked to a 16% higher risk of vascular disease.
The findings do not establish that tea prevents disease. This was an observational study, meaning researchers tracked people's habits rather than testing a treatment. Dell Stanford, a British Heart Foundation dietitian who was not involved, said differences in diet and lifestyle could help explain the results. The authors cautioned that tea alone does not protect against cardiovascular disease. Instead, it should accompany a healthy lifestyle and established prevention measures.
