According to nutritionists, this is the best tea for heart disease, especially with one ingredient.

Green tea is considered a true health booster, especially for the heart. This article explores the ingredients responsible for its positive effects, how the tea can influence blood pressure, and what you should consider when consuming it.

Green tea originated in China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is considered the origin of many tea varieties. This hot beverage is attributed with numerous health-promoting properties. For example, the catechins it contains are said to help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and promote blood circulation. Furthermore, green tea is rich in antioxidants, which studies suggest can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some research indicates that this could reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 15 percent. We explain which foods pair particularly well with green tea to increase antioxidant intake and best support its positive effects on heart health.

How green tea affects heart health

In addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise, consuming green tea can also help lower blood pressure and thus prevent one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke. This is primarily due to the antioxidants it contains, the so-called catechins – especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Furthermore, green tea is considered anti-inflammatory. Its components can help reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system. The catechins act as powerful antioxidants: they neutralize free radicals and can reduce harmful oxidation processes in the body. This helps support the function and stability of blood vessels and reduces inflammation-related deposits in the arteries.

Two ingredients are crucial: This is how you can best drink green tea for heart health.

Those who want to drink green tea specifically to support heart health should pay attention not only to the quantity but also to the preparation. According to experts, temperature, steeping time, and the combination with certain foods can be crucial in determining how well the body absorbs the valuable antioxidants.

Choosing the right temperature and steeping time: Several studies show that green tea leaves develop the highest catechin content at around 80 degrees Celsius and a steeping time of 20 to 30 minutes. However, such a long steeping time is often impractical for everyday life. Nutritionist Karen Grecea, therefore, recommends a practical middle ground to EatingWell: For a balanced ratio of flavor and antioxidants, green tea should ideally steep for three to five minutes at 80 to 85 degrees Celsius.

Two to four cups a day are considered ideal: Studies suggest that two to four cups of green tea per day could be particularly beneficial for heart health. Regularity of consumption is more important than absolute perfection.

Combine with citrus fruits: Green tea is considered particularly rich in antioxidants. However, for the body to optimally absorb these substances, combining them with other foods plays an important role. Enjoying it with vitamin C-rich foods like lemons or oranges is especially beneficial. According to studies, vitamin C can significantly increase the bioavailability of the antioxidant EGCG. Experts therefore recommend drinking green tea with a squeeze of lemon to support its positive effects best.

Green tea tastes good cold, too: Whether hot or iced, both versions offer health benefits. Those who prefer their green tea cold can let it steep for several hours at room temperature. According to studies, this method yields particularly high amounts of vitamin C, epicatechin, and EGCG.

Use sugar sparingly: Even with green tea, the least amount of sugar is best. High sugar content can weaken its positive effects on heart health. For added flavor, natural additions like a squeeze of lemon or orange, or a small amount of honey, are ideal.

Signs that green tea is too stimulating

However, not everyone tolerates green tea equally well. Therefore recommends increasing consumption gradually and initially observing how the body reacts to the beverage. Those who wish to regularly drink larger quantities of green tea should pay particular attention to the caffeine content. The bitter substances it contains can also cause discomfort in some people. If the tea is perceived as too stimulating, symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, dizziness, restlessness, or nausea may occur.

Special caution is advised for people taking cardiovascular medication or other drugs. Experts recommend consulting a doctor in such cases to determine what quantities of green tea are safe and what time interval should be observed between taking medication and consuming caffeinated beverages. This is because the stimulating effect of caffeine can influence or intensify the effects of certain medications.

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