New data ‘shows common drink slashes heart disease risk by 22%’

As Brits celebrate International Tea Day this month, compelling new evidence suggests that the nation’s beloved beverage – black tea with or without milk – could be doing considerably more than simply helping us start the day. Indeed, tea may be quietly benefiting one of the body’s most vital organs – the heart.

A new real-world poll of 1,000 adults, analysed by the Tea Advisory Panel, reveals that more than three-quarters of Brits (76%) are worried about their heart health, underscoring just how many people are seeking straightforward ways to safeguard their long-term wellbeing. The encouraging news is that one of the simplest healthy habits could already be tucked away in your kitchen cupboard.

Dr Tim Bond, tea expert from the Tea Advisory Panel, said: “Tea contains natural plant compounds called polyphenols, which have been linked to a range of cardiovascular benefits.

“These tea bioactive compounds appear to help blood vessels function more effectively, support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy heart.

“A major study involving more than 207,000 adults from the UK Biobank found that people with the highest intakes of polyphenol-rich foods and drinks – including tea – had a 22% lower risk of developing heart disease.

“Meanwhile, another large analysis involving nearly one million adults reported that regular black tea drinking was linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Researchers believe the naturally occurring flavonoids in tea – a group of polyphenol bioactives– are playing a key role.”

And there’s further encouraging news for tea enthusiasts. Dr Bond said: “Studies suggest benefits can begin from as little as two cups daily, with several studies finding that each additional cup may provide further cardiovascular support.

“Conveniently, the average Brit already drinks between four and five cups a day, according to the TAP survey review.”

Yet how you prepare your tea is equally important. “To get the maximum benefit from tea’s polyphenols, you should brew your tea for at least two minutes,” said Dr Bond.

“A quick dip won’t extract the same levels of beneficial tea bioactive compounds. Proper brewing allows more of these heart-supporting plant nutrients to be released into the cup.”

Specialists also emphasise that freshly brewed tea is optimal. Replacing sugary fizzy drinks with unsweetened tea could assist in reducing sugar consumption while simultaneously boosting intake of beneficial polyphenols.

Despite the mounting evidence, public understanding remains surprisingly limited, according to the specialists. Two-thirds of Brits responding to the TAP survey review were unaware that tea polyphenols could help protect against heart disease and stroke, while only a quarter associated regular tea drinking with a reduced heart attack risk.