Tea and Heart Health

A FLAVANOID -RICH DIET — WITH ELEMENTS SUCH AS BLACK TEA — appears to lower the risk of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in women later in life. That is the finding of the Heart Foundation and Edith Cowan University researchers. Today we explore tea and heart health.

The Cleveland Clinic (USA) explains that the aorta is “a large, cane-shaped vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood to your body. The aorta starts in the lower-left part of the heart and passes through the chest and abdomen. Along the way, blood vessels branch off the aorta, extending to organs and supporting tissue.”

Calcifications predict events such as heart attack

The extent of abdominal aortic calcium deposits is an excellent predictor of disease events related to the blood vessels, including heart attack and stroke. The study authors remind us that they previously discovered that regular apple intake — a great source of dietary flavonoids — is associated with lower abdominal aortic calcifications (AACs).

But what about the relationship between abdominal aortic calcification and total flavonoid consumption? Other flavonoid subclasses?

Tea and heart health

A flavanoid-rich diet — think black tea — can help prevent abdominal aortic calcifications in women later in life.

Older women regularly consuming black tea (or with a diet rich in flavonoids) were found to be far less likely to develop extensive abdominal aortic calcifications. Fewer calcifications may translate to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and late-life dementia.

You can find naturally-occurring flavonoids in foods and beverages such as the following:

• Black or green tea
• Apples
• Nuts
• Citrus fruits
• Red wine
• Berries
• Dark chocolate

In the current study, participants with a higher intake of total flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols were nearly half (40 percent reduction) as likely to have extensive abdominal aortic calcifications (AAC). Moreover, those consuming two to six cups of black tea had a similar (42 percent relative risk reduction) chance of having AAC.

This study does not establish a causal relationship. Still, the findings are encouraging for those who consume tea. Coffee lovers always seem to get attention.

Don’t like tea? Try adding some foods rich in flavonoids to your diet. You may gain some protection against extensive calcification of the arteries.

The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.

Thank you for reading “Tea and Heart Health.”