A cup of tea wards off heart disease

Besides giving you a kick start in the morning, your favourite cup of tea has the potential to keep heart attacks at bay, a dietician 

A cup of tea ward off heart disease, boosts brain (Getty Images)

has claimed. 

What’s more, a daily cup of tea also boosts the brain, according to a major review of research into the potential health benefits of the beverage.  The survey, commissioned by the Tea Advisory Panel and published in the journal Nutrition and Food Science, revealed that four cups a day significantly cuts the risk of a heart attack, keeps hydration at a healthy, optimal level and even improves alertness and mood.  Clinical studies reveal that natural plant antioxidants found in tea - called polyphenols - have beneficial effects on many biochemical processes in the body.  This happens through a range of mechanisms, including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, reports The Daily Express.  The study, by dietician and Tea Advisory Panel member Dr Carrie Ruxton, found that drinking tea could reduce the risk of having a heart attack.  Ruxton said: “Tea is a national favourite but, as well as being a delicious and refreshing drink, it also has some good health benefits, thanks to its high flavonoid content. My research showed that there’s a very solid, and growing body of evidence that indicates tea can play a good role in helping to combat cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease and strokes.  “We’re not sure of the exact mechanism, but it’s thought that tea flavonoids could be involved in controlling inflammation, reducing thrombosis (excess blood clotting), promoting blood vessel function and helping to limit furring-up of the arteries.  “There’s no doubt that the natural ingredients in tea offer good health benefits.  “My research shows that you don’t need to drink gallons of tea to get real improvements - just three or four cups a day are enough.”