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A massive study of nearly 486,000 adults found that regular tea drinkers had an 11% lower risk of vascular diseases compared to non-drinkers. Black tea showed stronger benefits than green tea, and the sweet spot appeared to be around six to eight cups per day. The catch? Drinking tea at "burning hot" temperatures was linked to increased vascular risk.
Good news for tea lovers — your daily cup may be doing your heart a favor. A large study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, following nearly 486,000 adults in China over a median of 9 years, found that regular tea consumption was associated with an 11% lower risk of vascular diseases, including cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, pulmonary heart, and peripheral artery disease. The type, strength, and temperature of tea all appeared to matter.
Black tea showed more consistent protective associations than green tea, and moderate-strength tea was linked to the lowest risk. Interestingly, the sweet spot for consumption was around six to eight cups per day — though this is an observational finding, not a prescription. The biggest surprise: drinking tea at "burning hot" temperatures was associated with increased vascular risk, potentially offsetting the benefits.
The study also found that combining habitual tea drinking with non-smoking and high physical activity was linked to the lowest overall vascular risk.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Tea is one of the world's most consumed beverages, and these findings suggest that how you drink it — not just whether you drink it — could influence long-term heart health. Clinicians may want to consider beverage habits, including temperature, as part of broader lifestyle counseling.
