With the acceleration of the pace of life, the incidence of chronic diseases such as heart disease is also increasing year by year. And in daily life, many people have the habit of drinking tea, thinking that it is a healthy lifestyle.
So, drinking tea, is it really good for the heart? Is it better to drink black tea or green tea? I believe many people have doubted these questions. Today, let's take a closer look.
First, the relationship between tea and health
Tea can help digestion, diuresis, detoxification, refresh the mind, prevent cardiovascular disease, antioxidant, anti-aging, etc. In recent years, scientific research has also found that tea also has certain effects on preventing cancer, lowering blood sugar, and protecting eyesight. However, excessive tea consumption can also lead to caffeine poisoning, affecting iron absorption, and other problems.
Second, the composition and nutritional value of tea
1. The main ingredients of tea
Tea is rich in chemical components, including tea polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, aroma substances, etc.
Tea polyphenols are the main active components of tea, accounting for 15%-30% of the dry weight of tea, and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and other biological activities.
Caffeine is the main alkaloid in tea, accounting for 2%-5% of the dry weight of tea, with refreshing the mind, diuretic, anti-fatigue and other effects. Amino acids are the main taste components of tea, accounting for 1%-4% of the dry weight of tea, which has an important impact on the taste and aroma of tea.
2. The nutritional value of tea
Tea is rich in nutrients, including protein, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, etc. Protein and amino acids are important nutrients for the human body and play an important role in the growth and development of the human body.
Minerals are essential elements for the human body and play an important role in the formation of bones and teeth, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. Vitamins are essential nutrients for the human body and play an important role in the body's metabolism and immune function.
3. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tea
Tea polyphenols and caffeine in tea have strong antioxidant properties, which can remove free radicals in the body and prevent oxidative damage of free radicals to the human body, thereby preventing aging and diseases. Tea polyphenols also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can inhibit the inflammatory response and reduce inflammatory symptoms. In addition, tea polyphenols also have antitumor properties and can inhibit the growth and spread of tumor cells.
Third, the effect of tea on the heart
1. Studies show the benefits of tea for the heart
Several scientific studies have shown that moderate consumption of tea can have a positive effect on heart health. The antioxidants in tea can help reduce the risk of heart disease, including lowering high blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis, and more. A 2019 study found that people who drank tea regularly had a 15% lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who drank tea infrequently.
2. How the composition of tea affects heart health
Tea contains many heart-healthy ingredients. Among them, tea polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can prevent damage to body cells and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In addition, the flavonoids in tea can also help lower blood pressure and improve vascular health. The caffeine in tea can also stimulate the heart, raising heart rate and blood pressure, but excessive intake may negatively affect the heart.
3. The best time and amount to drink tea
While drinking tea is good for the heart, it doesn't mean that more is better. In general, it is safe to drink 3-4 cups of tea per day. In addition, the best time to drink tea is usually in the morning and after lunch, so that you can maximize the health benefits of tea while avoiding caffeine affecting sleep at night.
4. Drinking tea may have negative effects on the heart
Excessive caffeine intake in tea may cause increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and even trigger irregular heartbeats. In addition, oxalic acid in tea may increase the risk of kidney stones, which may also indirectly affect heart health. Therefore, for people with heart disease or high blood pressure, or those who are sensitive to caffeine, it is necessary to limit the intake of tea.
Fourth, the comparison of black tea and green tea
1. The production process and composition differences of black tea and green tea
Both black and green teas are made from the leaves of the tea plant, but their making processes and ingredients differ.
During the production process of green tea, the tea leaves are killed immediately after picking to prevent oxidative fermentation, retaining the original color and original nutrients of the tea.
Black tea needs to go through a complete fermentation process to make the tea color change to reddish-brown and the taste more mellow.
In terms of ingredients, green tea is rich in tea polyphenols, catechins, vitamin C, amino acids, minerals, etc., which have antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer and other effects. Black tea is rich in theophyll, tea pigment, sugar, amino acids, minerals, etc., which have the effects of refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, lowering fat and losing weight.
2. Black tea or green tea, which is better?
Black tea and green tea each have their own advantages, and which is better depends on the individual's health and taste. If you need a pick-me-up, or need help with digestion, then black tea may be a better choice. If you need antioxidants, anti-aging, or heart disease prevention, then green tea may be for you.
At the same time, the taste of green tea is lighter and the taste of black tea is more mellow, which is also a factor in the choice. Overall, drinking black and green tea in moderation has health benefits.
V. Summary
In general, whether it is black tea or green tea, moderate drinking has a certain protective effect on the heart. However, we should also note that tea is not a medicine and cannot replace the treatment of heart disease.
At the same time, excessive tea consumption may also bring some adverse effects. Therefore, while enjoying the deliciousness and fun of tea, we should also pay attention to the right amount and maintain healthy living habits. If you have a chronic disease such as heart disease, you should have treatment and life adjustments under the guidance of a doctor.