We have previous reported that black tea can prevent lung cancer and modest tea consumption can cut cardiovascular disease.
Now, another new study confirmed that green tea, but not black tea, has a protective role against coronary artery disease (CAD). The results were published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011.
The analysis included 18 studies, 13 studies were on black tea and five studies were on green tea.
The analysis found no association between black-tea intake and the risk for CAD, but a significant association between intake of green tea and a lower risk for CAD (38% risk reduction). Increased intake of green-tea by one cup per day was associated with a 10% reduction in the risk for the development of CAD.
The difference in CAD effect between green and black tea is probably due to the different catechin contents. Catechin has been shown to inhibit oxidation, vascular inflammation, atherogenesis, and thrombogenesis and to favorably modulate the plasma lipid profile and vascular reactivity. Thus, tea that contains the higher amount of catechin should have greater beneficial effect on CAD.
Black teas and Pu-erh teas, which undergo the longest period of fermentation has most of its catechins destroyed, while green (Lung Chen Tea) and white tea, which are least processed, are able to retained highest amounts of catechins. Thus, it might be surprised to see a strong association between intake of green tea and a lower risk of CAD.
If you want to avoid CAD, you might like to start drinking green tea today!!!
Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2011
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