Drinking tea regularly shown to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Four of the main types are coronary heart disease, strokes, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease. These are often associated with having too much fatty substances in the arteries that build-up and can cause blood clots.Therefore, when it comes to keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy there are a number of conditions to try to avoid or keep under control.These include having high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.Being overweight, eating unhealthily, smoking and not exercising enough are also risk factors.But something as simple as what we drink could also have a beneficial effect.READ MORE: Woman, 49, among reported cases of turmeric supplements linked to liver damage ‘Regular’ tea consumption could lower the risk of heart disease (Image: Getty Images)A recent analysis of various medical studies by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) found that the rich polyphenol content of tea really does a lot of good for your heart.Speaking on behalf of TAP, dietitian Doctor Carrie Ruxton explained: ‘In a large review, which combined 13 cohort and cross-sectional analyses, 30 laboratory studies and 13 clinical trials, regular tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.’The laboratory and clinical trials supported the protective effects of tea and its bioactive compounds against heart issues.’This is confirmed by a new study of more than 100,000 Chinese adults who were followed for seven years.DON’T MISSAcholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer in ‘initial’ stages [CANCER]Man, 56, rapidly declines from B12 deficiency shortly after the ‘ball of his feet’ play up [INSIGHT]Blood clots warning: Four types of drinks to avoid – can cause ‘hardening’ of arteries [EXPERT] Palpitations are a sign of heart disease (Image: Getty Images) Signs of a heart attack (Image: Express.co.uk)’A study found that a flavonoid present in green tea, called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), not only acted as a powerful antioxidant, but helped blood vessels to relax and reduced stickiness of white blood cells – all factors which help to prevent cardiovascular disease.’To look after your heart, the NHS recommends a balanced diet that includes:Low levels of saturated fatLow levels of salt – aim for less than six grams a dayLow levels of sugarPlenty of fibre and wholegrain foodsPlenty of fruit and vegetables.Symptoms of cardiovascular disease include:Chest painPain, weakness or numb legs and/or armsBreathlessnessVery fast or slow heartbeat, or palpitationsFeeling dizzy, lightheaded or faintFatigueSwollen limbs.