Easiest way to improve Cardiovascular Health ~ with Tea

Researchers have found that people who drink one or more cups of tea a day had a lower prevalence of coronary artery calcium and can help slow the progression, whereas coffee has a neutral effect.

Dr P Elliott Miller’s (National Institutes of Health) results were published in the American Journal of Medicine. Dr Elliot suggests antioxidants found in tea may be responsible in preventing some cardiovascular complications.

Tea is associated with lower cholesterol, a key factor in cardiovascular health. A diet rich in antioxidants is an important part of cardiovascular health because oxidation contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. The particular antioxidants in tea are called catechins.

Catechins are polyphenolic compounds—flavanols of the flavonoid family found in a variety of plants. Catechins have potent antioxidant properties. Catechins are ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavengers and metal ion chelators. Catechins inhibit oxidative damage and reduce lipid peroxidation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

White and green tea in particular may hold the key to good heart health. Scientists at the University of Leeds and Lancaster University have found an anti-inflammatory compound in green tea called EGCG (epidgallocatechin-3-gallate). They discovered that EGCG may prevent amyloid buildup in arteries that causes heart attack and stroke. Scientists even believe that this compound could be integral in Alzheimer’s prevention or cure because the same amyloid plaques also form in the brain, playing a role in Alzheimer’s Disease.

Because white and green teas are treated gently and not overly processed, they retain most of their beneficial antioxidants. While green tea is known to be rich in antioxidants, white tea is less processed, and thereby retains a higher amount of antioxidants, compared to green.

Tarakona offers the highest quality whole leaf white tea in Silver Needles and green tea in Westlake Emerald. Each leaf is hand picked by skilled plantation hands and lovingly packed in New Zealand for a delicious cup of healthful goodness.

Treat your heart well with some antioxidant rich teas from www.tarakona.nz