Have you ever considered that your tea jar quietly sitting in your kitchen cabinet could also be your passport to a healthy heart? It could, in the long run, help save you from going under the cardiac surgeon’s knife, says Dr Gautam Banerjee, PhD, principal scientist, Hindustan Unilever Research Centre, Bangalore. And of course from those dozen tests and scans that spot the tiniest clogged artery. Well… almost. Put the kettle to boil as you read on.
Tea, in adequate servings, is known to keep your heart fit and healthy. The secret to health lies in the flavonoids in tea, which offer myriad health benefits, making your daily cup a treasure trove of health. From improving blood circulation to helping to keep your arteries unclogged, tea is not just tasty option for the palate but good for the heart as well.
So, what exactly are these flavonoids and how do they benefit us? Flavonoids are found naturally in apples, onions, cocoa, tea etc.
They are not nutrients, yet they are thought to support health due to properties which enable them to reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer cells, maintain vascular function and slow oxidation of LDL cholesterol. And tea is the richest source of flavonoids. For example Red Label tea contains about 140-160mg of flavonoids per cup of tea.
Studies done in various populations point to a positive relationship between tea consumption and heart health. In fact, tea consumption has been associated with improved blood circulation. A healthy circulation ensures the optimal delivery of nutrients to and from cells as per the needs of target tissues. This is important from the context of maintaining optimal health.This, in turn,results in lowered risk of heart diseases.
Flavonoids are present in all tea leaves, but the quantity and quality varies depending on the region it is grown in and the kind of tea. It is here that careful selection and blending of tea plays an important role.
Experts indicate a daily intake of 415 mg of flavonoids could be good for your heart. An average cup of tea (made with 2g of tea in 100ml water) contains 150-190 mg of flavonoids. So, if you are sipping your daily three to four cups of chai, you help keep your heart healthy.
So, the next time you stop for an extra breath while running up the stairs, head home and brew a steaming cup of tea. Why not sip away when good health is a cup away!