When looking for the best tea for heart health, you have many options. Black, green, chamomile, and hibiscus are just a few types of tea that can help you improve your cardiovascular wellness.
Senior nutrition tips include suggestions for heart health with good reason. Although fewer Americans die of heart attacks than in the last 50 years, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Adding tea to your healthy aging routine can help you improve your heart health and overall wellness.
True tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Types of tea include:
The processing method determines the color and flavor of Camellia sinensis teas.
For example, to make black tea, the leaves are rolled, dried, and fermented. This oxidizes the leaves, which deepens the color and makes the flavor stronger. Green tea is steamed or pan fried after harvesting to stop the oxidation process.
Herbal teas don't come from the Camellia plant. They're made from a variety of other plants such as:
Tea doesn't have many vitamins or other nutrients, but it's rich in phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are compounds that give plants their color, smell, and other characteristics. The main phytochemicals in tea are polyphenals.
Research suggests these compounds have many health benefits.
Studies indicate that many types of tea are good for heart health. Although most research shows only an association between tea and better heart health, not necessarily a clear cause and effect, the trends show a positive relationship.
Black tea is the most popular type of tea in the U.S., making up around 86% of all tea consumed. Research suggests that black tea can improve blood vessel function and blood flow, which lowers blood pressure. A study in rats showed that polyphenols in black tea reduce cholesterol.
People who drink at least three cups of black tea a day may have a lower risk of heart disease. A study in Science Daily showed that older women who consumed high levels of flavenoids, like those found in black tea, had a lower risk of heart attack.
Green tea is the second-most popular type of tea in the U.S., and it has an impressive array of heart benefits. Research suggests that drinking green tea regularly can:
Green tea contains high levels of EGCG, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. Lowering inflammation and oxidative stress promotes a healthy heart.
Chamomile is an herb in the daisy and sunflower family that has been part of naturopathic medicine for thousands of years. Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians used chamomile to calm anxiety and relieve stomach ailments.
Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep contribute to high blood pressure. Many people find chamomile tea to be calming, which can reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
Hibiscus tea is made from tropical hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, which give it many heart-health benefits. It can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
The antioxidants in hibiscus destroy cells that can cause heart disease. Hibiscus is anti-inflammatory, which promotes better heart health. It may also help fight bacteria that could cause infection in the heart muscle or lining.
When you're trying to build heart healthy habits, tea is one of the best beverages for seniors. You have many options for heart-healthy tea, though, and finding the best one may seem confusing.
Always talk to a healthcare professional before adding a new variety of tea to your routine. Some types of tea, especially herbal teas, can interact with common medications.
For example, chamomile may interact with blood thinners and increase the risk of bleeding. Black tea may interfere with some mental health prescriptions. Your doctor can help you find tea that can boost your heart health while minimizing potential side effects.
Drinking tea will only become part of your healthy aging routine if you find a type of tea you like. If you don't enjoy the flavor of green tea, try chamomile or hibiscus.
For the greatest health benefits, avoid adding too much sweetener or milk to your tea. Sweeteners can add empty calories, and too much milk may reduce the effectiveness of antioxidants in tea. When used in moderation, though, sweetener and milk don't significantly reduce the boost in heart health you can get from tea.
Yes, in many cases you can strengthen your heart. Steps to take for better heart health include:
Drinking tea can also help strengthen your heart.
Several types of tea can improve your cholesterol level, including:
While tea can support better cholesterol levels, it isn't a substitute for medication if your doctor has prescribed a statin or similar drug.
Some types of tea may help balance heart rhythms and prevent heart palpitations. If you have frequent heart palpitations, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding beverages with caffeine. Herbal tea can be a good solution.
Chamomile has a soothing effect that can help. Peppermint tea may also be beneficial.
The best tea for heart health for you depends on your health situation and which types of tea you enjoy the most. Many of the most popular types of tea have health benefits, including black, green, chamomile, and hibiscus.
At Heartis Peoria, we can help you meet your goals for heart health. Our Dimensions Health and Fitness program makes holistic wellness in assisted living and memory care a priority, helping you address cardiovascular concerns from the physical, social, and emotional perspectives. You can easily make tea part of your wellness routine with restaurant-style dining and our bistro coffee bar.
Schedule a tour of Heartis Peoria today to see how our community can support your heart healthy habits.