NewsWFLA News Channel 8October 24, 2026Hillsborough County
Study links regular tea consumption to lower vascular disease risk
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that regular tea drinkers are about 11% less likely to develop vascular disease, though the degree of risk reduction depends on consumption habits such as amount, strength, type, and temperature. Researchers tracked nearly 486,000 adults in China for approximately nine years to examine how multidimensional tea-drinking characteristics relate to cardiovascular health.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
The study establishes a measurable statistical link between specific daily tea-drinking habits and vascular disease risk among adults, highlighting temperature and lifestyle factors like smoking and physical activity as key variables.
Key Facts
- Regular tea drinkers were about 11% less likely to develop vascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke.
- Researchers followed nearly 486,000 adults in China for about nine years.
- The lowest risk of vascular disease appeared at six to eight cups of tea a day.
- Tea drinkers who did not smoke and stayed physically active saw the largest risk reduction, with risk about 45% lower.
- Drinking tea 'burning hot' was associated with about a 16% higher risk of vascular disease.
- Black tea showed more consistent inverse associations with vascular disease risk than green tea.
- Moderate-strength tea was associated with lower risk.
- True teas come from Camellia sinensis, including black tea, green tea, matcha, oolong tea, and pu-erh.
- Herbal beverages made from dried fruits and flowers are technically infusions or tisanes rather than true tea from Camellia sinensis.