Black Tea Topples Blood Pressure

Black tea is green tea that has been oxidized by fermentation, and contains 3 to 10% water extractable polyphenols – a plant-based compound for which studies suggest antioxidant properties.  David Grassi, from the University of L'Aquila (Italy), and colleagues enrolled 19 men and women with hypertension in a study to which subjects were randomly assigned to consume either 2 cups of black tea per day (129 mg flavanoids per cup) or placebo, for eight-days. After a washout period, the subjects crossed over to the other intervention.  The researchers observed that black tea associated with reductions din two measure of arterial health – reflection index and stiffness index. Further, black tea lowered systolic blood pressure by 3.2 mmHg, and diastolic pressure by 2.6 mmHg.  It also prevented increases in blood pressure after consuming a high-fat meal.  The study authors submit that: “our findings suggest regular consumption of black tea may be relevant for cardiovascular protection.”