Tea Drinkers Reap Blood Pressure Benefits
Drinking a Half-Cup of Tea per Day Cuts Hypertension Risk in Half
Researchers found that men and women who drank tea on a daily basis for at least a year were much less likely to develop hypertension than those who didn’t, and the more tea they drank, the bigger the benefits.
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Water is first.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common form of heart disease and affects about 20% of the adult population in many countries. The condition is associated with stroke, heart failure, and kidney dysfunction and is a major risk factor for heart-related death.
“A link between tea drinking and blood pressure reduction has been postulated for decades in general health care in Chinese populations,” write researcher Yi-Ching Yan, MD, MPH, of the medical college of National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, and colleagues.
In recent years, researchers say there has been growing interest in exploring the role of antioxidant compounds called flavonoids found in tea that may protect against heart disease.
But researchers say few studies have examined the long-term effects of tea drinking on the risk of hypertension, and the results so far have been conflicting. They say this study is the first on the issue to use a large number of people and detailed information about tea consumption and other lifestyle and dietary factors associated with hypertension risk.
How Green Tea Helps To Reduce High Blood Pressure Naturally
I come from a family with a history of high blood pressure, so I have always taken
precautions to prevent hypertension most of my adult life.
My husband suffers from high blood pressure too, so helping him to reduce is pressure
naturally, is an issue that is of great concern to me.
Of course, he is not alone.
High blood pressure is a major health problem that is believed to affect one in three Americans.
Not only does it directly damage your blood vessels and vital organs but it also significantly
increases your chances of suffering from heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and many
other serious health disorders
Fortunately, lifestyle factors can have a big impact on this disease, and drinking green tea
is one lifestyle choice that has been recommended for lowering high blood pressure.
Lets take a deeper look at the effect green tea has on high blood pressure and explore
exactly how effective it really is.
May Help Manage Blood Pressure
A report from the AHA , published in November 2008, suggests that consuming this tea may have high chances of lowering the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that hibiscus has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which can be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea may reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to a 2010 research done at Tufts University in Boston. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to regularly consume three cups of this tea every day for a few weeks. Also, it has diuretic properties that increase urination and simultaneously lower blood pressure.
Freshly brewed hibiscus tea Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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Ways To Keep Hypertension Under Check
Relax to control stress. When we are stressed, our heart rate increases because the body releases adrenaline so we can stay alert.
Practicing techniques that help slow down, like yoga, tai chi, can help you channel stress and lower your stress values.
These are techniques that have been widely demonstrated to result in relaxation.
Exercising is key. We all know that exercise is essential to be healthy, but not everyone knows that it is vital to lower the tension without taking pills.
It is estimated that by regularly doing aerobic exercise , the low pressure 4.6 mmHg, and taking less salt, 3.6 mmHg.
And it also prevents, because exercise can lower the risk of hypertension by 70%.
More social life. Maintaining an active social life allows you to keep pressure in check.
Also, according to many studies, feeling lonely and having a bad mood is associated with high blood pressure.
If your friends are unavailable, expand your circle of friends.
You can sign up for workshops, courses, join groups that share your interests to meet new people.
What Is Blood Pressure
Systolic pressure: The pressure when the ventricles pump blood out of the heart
Diastolic pressure: The pressure between heartbeats when the heart is filling with blood
Hypertension is typically treated with heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as a healthy low-sodium diet and regular exercise. Medication to reduce blood pressure may also be needed.
Some people also use supplements and other natural remedies to help manage blood pressure. For instance, research suggests that certain teas, such as black tea and green tea, may help lower blood pressure.
This article will look at the science of how tea affects blood pressure, and how best to get the benefits.
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Are Coffee And Tea Good For High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease . And it is a common condition in American adults.1 The role played by the most popular beverages tea and coffee, in blood pressure is still debated. For years, it was believed that caffeine present in them will have an adverse effect on blood pressure . But, recent research studies have contradicted these findings.2 The fretting about caffeine in coffee and tea is, thus, slowly fading. Here are the facts about the power of tea and coffee in combating high blood pressure.
Chamomile Tea: Sleep Enabler
Though herbal teas do not come from the traditional tea plant, they still have some health benefits, says Brill of soothing herbal teas like linden or chamomile. These teas help with a less-direct, but still crucially important, benefit for cardiac wellness: sleep. One of the things many of my patients have issues with is getting enough sleep, says Steinbaum. Sleep is such an important part of restorative health for everyone. I tell people to get into the habit of having a nighttime routine to wind down, and include a cup of warm chamomile tea right before bed.
Patients with a coronary artery stent, or who are taking aspirin or Coumadin blood thinners, should consult their doctor before drinking chamomile tea, because it may increase risk for internal bleeding.
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The Best Teas To Lower Your Blood Pressure
We have already published an article on natural methods of reducing your blood pressure. This article will look specifically at teas that can help bring your blood pressure under control while benefiting your health in plenty of other ways at the same time. Teas like green tea and oolong have become more and more popular over recent years as we learn more about their many health benefits but there are also some lesser known teas in our list that we think you will enjoy.
Teatime Can Be Good For Your Health
“There are really only three drinks that I ever recommend humans consume,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. “The best is water, and next would be unsweetened tea and unsweetened coffee. Everything else, unfortunately, doesn’t really have any benefit, and many cause significant harm.
“It makes my job very easy when people say, ‘What should I drink?'”
Studies show tea consumption, along with a heart-healthy diet, may improve some brain function, ward off some cancers, defend against heart disease by boosting “good” cholesterol and help with weight control. It may even reduce bad breath.
A 2018 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that tea appears to slow the natural decrease in heart-helping HDL cholesterol as a person ages. Those findings pair well with previous research that suggests tea also reduces low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, known as “bad” cholesterol. Studies also show tea may reduce blood sugar levels and help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Black and green tea are the most popular kinds, accounting for 99% of the tea consumed in the United States. Both kinds of tea are loaded with caffeine and antioxidants called polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and better heart health. There are some slight differences black tea, for example, contains more caffeine while green tea has a slightly better antioxidant profile.
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What Is The Best Tea For High Blood Pressure
The use of teas for the treatment of high blood pressure is one of the best natural ways of treating such a condition.
You can imagine enjoying the great tastes of natural tea and at the same time managing your blood pressure effectively.
Most research indicates and supports that green tea has stronger antioxidants properties than black tea, but some studies found that both teas exhibit equally effective antioxidant capacities.
Some say patients with high blood pressure always feel like they are a step away from death, but that is not true! Hypertension, like so many other ailments, can be treated and managed, can be supported naturally by the intake of tea from the natural plant Camellia sinesis.
Teas are of many types like Green tea, Black tea, Oolong tea, Puerh tea and White tea.
All these teas were classified based on the type of leaves picked and the processes or oxidation level.
Surprisingly all these types of teas are extracts of the same basic plant, the Camellia sinesis and they are believed to be effective agents in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Black tea and Green tea are recorded as the most consumed and sort after teas in the western world.
NB: No tea has been named or selected as the best for treatment for hypertension, though.
To explain better how tea drinking effects on hypertension better, best to revisit the disease to understand it better.
Best Herbal Tea For High Blood Pressure
It has relaxing properties that help relax the blood vessels.
A green tea infusion enhances the effects of high tension and also prevents the values to increase again.
To make this remedy, just boil a glass of water and, when it reaches its boiling point, add a tablespoon of green tea.
Then let it rest for five minutes, strain, and drink by taking small sips.
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Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure
A great natural remedy for high blood pressure is taking blueberry juice daily or having some garlic water daily. In addition, various types of tea, such as hibiscus tea or olive leaf tea, seem to have excellent antihypertensive properties which help control blood pressure.
Even though these natural remedies are useful for complementing high blood pressure treatment, they should only be taken under the supervision of a cardiologist, as they do not exclude the need to use the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Learn other 7 natural ways of lowering high blood pressure.
Oolong Tea For Blood Pressure
Oolong tea is rich in anti-oxidants and contains many different vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for health. Studies have shown that drinking this tea can strengthen bones, provide gum health, and prevent tooth decay. From reducing blood pressure quickly to speeding up metabolism, oolong tea is an excellent and healthy option. It also helps detoxify the body, improve digestion, maintain weight, and even help lower the risk of diabetes, keeps you fit for a longer duration. Catechins present in the leaves are attributed to this behavior.
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Cinnamon And Cardamom Tea
Cinnamon and cardamom are tasty seasonings that can also provide us with some significant health benefits.
Their effect on blood pressure has not been researched extensively, but there is some evidence that they might be useful in treating it.
Research Results on Cinnamon and Cardamom
A small-scale study conducted in India had 20 hypertensive individuals consume cardamom powder for 12 weeks. A significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed after the treatment.
Another study related to cinnamon found that it effectively decreased the blood pressure of people with type 2 diabetes.
Heart And Blood Pressure Support Tea
There are many steps to reducing HBP, and you can start by drinking this cooling, refreshing tea.
It contains:
Hawthorne Berries*: Hawthorne is a classic heart healing remedy. According to world-renowned ethnobotanist, Michael J. Balick, PhD, Hawthorn leaves, flower and fruit contain compounds that dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure. Hawthorne is a member of the Rosaceae family and is generally cooling in nature.
Hibiscus flowers : This is a sour flower, and traditionally used to cool the body and treat anxiety. It is rich in Vitamin C that helps repair oxidative stress, and is naturally diuretic to help relieve some of the fluid pressure in the body.
This tea is easy as heck to prepare: simply pour hot water onto the herbs and steep for a few hours or overnight.
Done!
Drink 2-3 cups per day and start sipping your HBP away!
* Hawthorne enhances the activity of cardioactive drugs like Digitalis, Digitoxin and Gitalin. Those folks taking these drugs should have their heart meds monitored by their physician while drinking this tea.
- 30 ounces water
Tagged With: Andrea Beaman, cardiovascular health, food is medicine, heart health, herbal medicine, high blood pressure, home remedies, natural healing
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Chamomile Tea For Hypertension Is It Recommended
Chamomile tea is a popular herb beverage which offers a lot of health benefits. Chamomile tea is made from a herb that comes from the Daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family.
Chamomile tea, just like other teas, has its own effects on hypertension. Chamomile flowers contain flavonoids, Sesquiterpenes, and antioxidants. Once dried, Chamomile flowers are used as herbal and natural remedies.
The antioxidants in chamomile tea, like flavonoids, help to lower risk of heart disease. Its effective in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol too.
Best Tea For Blood Pressure: 2021
High blood pressure has become a common and severe phenomenon today. Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, has affected many adults. Nearly half of American adults have it. Hypertension is so ordinary it almost becomes like an epidemic. Lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, increased stress, work pressure is significant contributors to hypertension. There are multiple health issues linked to hypertension. It is one of the major causes of various cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure should not be ignored. It requires on-time treatment. Natural remedies for high blood pressure help control blood pressure. Fiber-rich foods are also helpful.
Similarly, certain teas can help you control hypertension. Your morning cup of fresh, hot tea can make it easier for you to manage hypertension. Teas for hypertension are loaded with other health benefits, resulting in better overall health.
Medications and lifestyle changes help treat the condition. However, the side effects that come with drugs can be worse than the actual hypertension problem. Non-compliance with the medications is also dangerous. As a result of non-compliance, we live with uncontrolled hypertension, which is also tricky. So what do we do if we want to lower and control our hypertension and yet be drug-free?
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Three Drinks To Lower Blood Pressure
Worried about high blood pressure? Try adding these heart-healthy drinks to your diet. Combined with regular exercise and a smart eating plan, they can help prevent and control hypertension. Here’s how.
If you’re serious about lowering your blood pressure, you probably already know to ditch high-sodium foods like deli meats, canned soups and frozen pizzas. Ditto for unhealthy fats and sugary sweets and sodas, which can pack on pounds and hike up your risk of hypertension.
But what about foods you need to eat more of? Research shows that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables plus lean protein can help prevent and control high blood pressure. That’s why many folks have turned to the plant-based DASH diet, an eating plan that’s been proven in clinical trials to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels.
Pictured Recipe:Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea
Of course, what you choose to drink matters, too. Here are three refreshing beverages backed by science to help lower blood pressureplus one to avoid. Add these three to a smart diet, get started with a safe exercise program, and you’ll be on your way to better blood pressure and a healthier heart. Cheers!
Pictured Recipe:Peanut Butter & Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Pictured Recipe:Cucumber-Peach Hibiscus Agua Fresca
Is There A Recommended Intake For Each
According to the American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs, moderate tea or coffee drinking is not likely to be harmful to your health as long as you have other good health habits. Reference Daily Intake is this:30
- Four 8 oz cups of brewed or drip coffee.
- Five servings of tea, which is about 165 to 235 mg of caffeine.
- Ten 8 oz cups of coffee a day is considered excessive intake.
As mentioned earlier, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a government advisory committee, have also said that moderate coffee ingestion is safe. And according to them, moderate consumption is this:
- Within the range of 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day, or up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.31
- However, pregnant women are recommended not to consume more than 200mg of caffeine a day, which is equivalent to about two mugs of instant coffee or about two and a half mugs of tea.32
More research studies are needed to close the debate on the pros and cons of tea and coffee consumption. But for now, moderate consumption is considered safe for healthy individuals.
References
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