A cup of green tea for a long healthy life
For those hoping to live a long, healthy life, a cup of green tea may hit the spot
Adults who drank at least five cups of the brew daily had a lower risk of cardiovascular death and death from all other causes, except cancer, than those who drank less than one cup a day, according to a research team from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. And the study's experts state that the benefits of the beverage are global, as the benefits of tea do no distinguish between race and gender.
Deaths from cardiovascular disease were 26 per cent lower for tea drinkers vs. those who avoided the beverage. These effects were even stronger among women. Green tea appeared to have no effect on cancer risk, however.
The researchers also saw only a weak or negligible effect on death rates for people who drank black or oolong teas. So how does green tea work its hearthealthy magic?
Experts believe natural compounds called polyphenols — particularly one substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate — provide the health benefits. These substances have strong antioxidant properties that may help prevent heart disease
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