Is There a Definitive Link Between Tea and Heart Disease Reduction?

Green and black teas are often recognized for their healthful benefits-but can either reduce one’s risk of heart disease?

Conflicting science exists on the issue, which is why a team of researchers at Nanjing Medical University in China conducted a meta-analysis on both teas.

Supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the meta-analysis compiled data from 18 qualified studies, including 13 on black tea and 5 on green tea.

Results of data collection revealed that black tea held no significant association to heart diseases, whereas green tea did show a positive association with reduced heart disease risk, according to the researchers. An increase in green tea consumption by just 1 cup/day was associated with a 10% decrease of developing heart disease.

“Our data do not support a protective role of black tea against [heart disease],” wrote the study’s lead author. “The limited data available on green tea support a tentative association of green tea consumption with a reduced risk of [heart disease]. However, additional studies are needed to make a convincing case for this association.”

The results of the meta-analysis are published in the January 2011 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.