Warm Up to Tea(s) for Heart Health
By Cal Orey, M.A.
Sip a Cup of Heart Wellness – February is
American Heart Month
Yep, black tea—the type likely inside your
pantry--is worth brewing. Go ahead—savor a cuppa black flavored tea, such as
spicy Constant Comment or Earl Grey with its sweet floral and citrus notes and
enjoy its amazing powers.
One
top antioxidant wizard told me (I was writing a book on tea) black tea came
into play when studying atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats on your artery
walls, which can up your risk of artery disease)—and it was discovered both
green tea and black tea were equally beneficial.
Medical experts will tell
you drinking black tea may lower the risk of developing bad cholesterol (the
stuff that clogs your arteries, which can lead to heart attack) and high blood
pressure, improve blood vessel function, reduce inflammation, and lessen the
risk of blood clotting. Also, it’s the
combination of heart-healthy antioxidants in black tea and a healthy lifestyle
that may protect you against heart disease.
Here three heart-healthy
teas for you to sip to help keep heart disease at bay.
* Green. Past research in
a noteworthy Ohsaki study published in the Journal of the American Medical
Association found that men and women in Japan who drank about two cups of green
tea each day reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by a whopping 22 to
33 percent. The findings show green tea plays a role in staying heart healthy.
Give credit to its flavonoid content.
*Rooibos, pronounced
(roy-boss), is a red tea grown in South Africa. Researchers have pinpointed of
polyphenols in red tea. These compounds act as disease fighters that are
capable of destroying free radicals in the body. This depletes the immune
system and makes it more prone to diseases, including inflammatory conditions
such as heart disease. And rooibos may help your body fight back.
* White. This tea is an
excellent heart-healthy tea because of its catechins (the good guys that can
help lower cholesterol levels). Potassium in white tea helps lessen heart
problems, including high blood pressure. And it does contain less caffeine than
black tea.
These days, after an up
close and personal cardiac event, I know too well how in the 21st
century, heart disease affects our health, well-being, and lifespan. There is
no cure, but you can lower your risk of developing this disease (and stay
healthier and happier if you already have heart woes) with diet and
lifestyle—and that’s where the healing powers of tea comes into play.
STRESS-RELIEVING TEAS
Common stressors from work
and financial woes to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one
can take a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. Constant stress without a tea
break, however, can weaken your immune system and may cause poor lifestyle
choices, leaving your body vulnerable to colds, infections, and even heart
disease.
According to researchers, an
amino acid called L-theanine compound found in black tea, in combination with
caffeine, might lessen hormones such as cortisol, which can help induce a
calmer feeling and increase mood.
What Tea Rx to Use: One
8-ounce cup of English Breakfast tea (popular in England), a black tea that may
help you chill. Add a slice of lemon and/or a bit of raw honey to intensity the
calming antidote. A Bonus Tip: Some popular calming herbal teas include chamomile
and lavender.
*This article is based on
The Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide To Nature’s Special by Cal Orey and
published by Kensington.
CAL OREY, M.A., is a
bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventures, history,
romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in
English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include
the Healing Powers series, and the new Soulmates with Paws trilogy. She is a
South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com
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