Black tea is green tea that has been oxidized by fermentation, and contains 3 to 10% water extractable polyphenols – a plant-based compound for which studies suggest antioxidant properties. David Grassi, from the University of L’Aquila (Italy), and colleagues enrolled 19 men and women with hypertension in a study to which subjects were randomly assigned to consume either 2 cups of black tea per day (129 mg flavanoids per cup) or placebo, for eight-days. After a washout period, the subjects crossed over to the other intervention. The researchers observed that black tea associated with reductions din two measure of arterial health – reflection index and stiffness index. Further, black tea lowered systolic blood pressure by 3.2 mmHg, and diastolic pressure by 2.6 mmHg. It also prevented increases in blood pressure after consuming a high-fat meal. The study authors submit that: “our findings suggest regular consumption of black tea may be relevant for cardiovascular protection.”
Black Tea Topples Blood Pressure
Two cups of black tea daily may improve arterial stiffness and decrease systolic and diastolic pressures.
Grassi D, Draijer R, Desideri G, Mulder T, Ferri C. “Black tea lowers blood pressure and wave reflections in fasted and postprandial conditions in hypertensive patients: a randomised study.” Nutrients. 2015 Feb 4;7(2):1037-51.
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