A Cup of Tea is More Than a Beverage; It’s Culture and Health
Tea has long been an integral part of Vietnamese culture. A cup of tea often accompanies intimate conversations, family gatherings, or simply a moment of tranquility to unwind. Drinking tea is not just a habit but a beautiful traditional cultural aspect.
However, what’s even more intriguing are the health benefits that a cup of tea offers. Apart from its relaxing properties, tea – when consumed appropriately – can also protect your heart from dangerous complications such as stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Large Study: Sugar-Free Tea Reduces Cardiovascular and Stroke Risk
Recently, a large-scale study published in the International Journal of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention provided compelling scientific evidence supporting the daily habit of tea drinking.
Conducted by scientists at Nantong University in China, the research tracked 177,810 healthy British adults over 12 years, with an average age of around 55.
During the observation period, the team recorded over 15,000 cases of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the data analysis revealed a notable conclusion: individuals who regularly consumed unsweetened tea – up to a maximum of two cups daily – had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to non-tea drinkers or those who drank tea with added sugar.
The details are as follows:
- 21% reduced risk of heart failure
- 14% reduced risk of stroke
- 7% reduced risk of coronary artery disease
This underscores an important message: tea can be a natural “remedy” for cardiovascular health – but only when consumed without added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Why Does Sugar Diminish the Benefits of Tea?
Tea, especially green and black tea, contains abundant polyphenols – powerful antioxidants that protect cells, reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, and maintain vascular function.
However, when sugar or sweeteners are added to tea, the biological reactions in the body can be negatively affected. Sugar not only diminishes the effectiveness of polyphenols but is also linked to issues like insulin resistance, elevated blood lipids, and metabolic disorders – all of which increase cardiovascular risk.
Moreover, daily sugar consumption, even in small amounts like in a cup of tea, can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia over time – all of which are precursors to cardiovascular complications and stroke.
How to Drink Tea the Right Way – For Health and Relaxation
Based on the study’s findings, drinking tea the right way is one of the simplest and most accessible choices to improve cardiovascular health. However, to maximize its benefits, keep the following in mind:
- Prioritize unsweetened tea: If you’re accustomed to sweetness, gradually reduce the amount of sugar over time. Eventually, you’ll appreciate the true flavors of tea – subtle and refreshing.
- Choose the right tea: Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and others offer similar health benefits; select the one that suits your taste. However, opt for pure tea without added flavors or preservatives.
- Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach or too late at night: Tea can cause stomach irritation when consumed without food, and the caffeine in tea may disrupt sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.
- Don’t overdo it: The recommended intake is 1–2 cups daily. Excessive tea consumption can lead to mineral imbalances and digestive issues.
Small Change, Big Impact
In our busy lives, not everyone has the time or motivation to follow strict diets or exercise regimens. However, a small change like drinking unsweetened tea daily can have a lasting positive impact on cardiovascular health.
And the best part? This habit doesn’t require much effort. Just a morning or afternoon cup of tea can help you unwind and protect your heart every day.
