Today’s topic is teas and how they have flowed through time, with their various soothing aromas and powerful heart-healing qualities. However, first, let’s recap a conversation I had this past weekend with a cardiologist.
The sharing of information from this doctor had a special significance to me as it wasn’t the result of a planned doctor visit and not in a hospital setting. It was an impromptu heart health discussion in his home. I was granted a window into his struggle as he opened up about the challenges of maintaining best health practices and proper exercise, even for someone with his knowledge and expertise.
One big takeaway was the recommended amount of exercise adults can do to maintain a healthy heart. It turns out that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. This can be broken down into 30-40 minutes of moderate-intensity daily routine, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Incorporating strength training and high-intensity interval training can also provide additional benefits. He shared that this advice is according to The American Heart Association (AHA).
In addition to regular exercise, incorporating healthy habits like drinking tea can significantly support heart health. Tea has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and recent studies have confirmed its ability to help clear arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Tea is the cheapest beverage humans consume, next to water, and has been considered a health-promoting habit since ancient times. The evidence supporting the health benefits of tea drinking grows stronger with each new study published in the scientific literature.
Tea consumption has helped prevent many debilitating human diseases, including maintaining cardiovascular and metabolic health. Polyphenolic compounds in green and black tea are associated with beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Catechins and theaflavins, the main polyphenolic compounds of green and black tea, are responsible for most of the physiological effects of tea. Encouraging data showing cancer-preventive effects of green tea have emerged from cell culture and animal and human studies, with evidence accumulating that black tea may have similar beneficial effects. Green tea, a member of the Camellia sinensis family, is rich in catechins, antioxidants that have been shown to inhibit plaque formation in arteries. Another study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that drinking green tea daily can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Ginkgo biloba tea, derived from the ancient ginkgo tree, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to improve memory and cognitive function. Its unique blend of flavonoids and terpenoids has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Ginseng tea, made from the root of the ginseng plant, has been prized in Asian cultures for its adaptogenic properties. It helps to balance stress and energy. Its active compounds, ginsenosides, have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure.
Turmeric tea, made from the vibrant yellow spice, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Its active compound, curcumin, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while hawthorn tea, made from the berries of the hawthorn tree, has been used in traditional European medicine to support heart health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Its unique blend of flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) has improved blood flow and reduced inflammation.
Oolong tea, partially fermented between green and black tea, offers a unique blend of antioxidants and has been shown to improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease. and white tea, made from the young buds of the tea plant, is minimally processed and rich in antioxidants. It offers a delicate and refreshing taste while supporting heart health.
If Tea is already part of your routine, perhaps this read will improve your awareness and appreciation of the liquid healer. The world of teas is vast, and new knowledge of its benefits is constantly being discovered.
Sipping this simple yet effective way of increasing heart health, regular exercise, and diet can be a real life changer.
Remember to seek advice from your doctor before incorporating any new health practices. Our unique health conditions require custom-tailored modalities to reach optimum health.
