Black Tea Reduces Diabetes, CVD Risk

Drinking at least three cups of black tea daily may lower an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to new research published in the bulletin Nutrition Communications.

Researchers from the United Kingdom reviewed 40 epidemiological studies to evaluate evidence linking black tea consumption with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes; the mechanisms by which black tea may have a protective effect; and the potential role of tea drinking in relation to public health.

Their findings suggest a significant association between regular black tea consumption and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease at about three or more cups per day. For diabetes risk, the data are restricted to a few large cohort studies that suggested a beneficial association at one to four cups daily.

The researchers noted while some studies suggest that drinking black tea may reduce the risk of stroke, likely mechanisms remain unclear, highlighting the need for more human intervention studies.