High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects the arteries, causing the heart to work harder. If untreated, it can lead to serious health issues. A healthy lifestyle is key in preventing and managing hypertension. Drinking green tea has been recommended by dieticians for lowering high blood pressure. Let’s explore the benefits of green tea below.
What You Put In Your Body Affects Your Blood Pressure
Your diet plays a significant role in blood pressure management. The DASH diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is often recommended. It emphasizes low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and limits saturated fats and sugars. Adding green tea to your diet can also help lower high blood pressure.
True Teas and High Blood Pressure
True teas like green tea, known for their antioxidant properties, have been linked to heart health benefits. Green tea, in particular, has shown promise in reducing blood pressure levels due to its catechin content, which helps prevent narrowing of arteries and reduces inflammation.
The Power of Green Tea
Research suggests that green tea is most effective in lowering blood pressure among true tea varieties. Its catechin antioxidants promote heart and blood vessel health by improving nitric oxide production, reducing inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Including Green Tea in Your Diet
Including green tea in your daily routine is simple. Just steep the leaves or a tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. While there are no exact dosage recommendations, adding green tea to your liquid intake can benefit your blood pressure. Sweeten it with honey or sugar in moderation to avoid excess sugar intake.
Other Beverages That Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
Incorporate other beverages like fruit smoothies, matcha green tea lattes, or juices like pomegranate, beet, or grapefruit for additional blood pressure-lowering benefits. Stay hydrated with water, but be cautious as excessive water intake may impact blood pressure in certain individuals.
The Bottom Line
Drinking green tea daily can contribute to managing high blood pressure effectively. Coupled with a balanced diet, including green tea can have positive impacts on heart health. Stay informed about the DASH diet and other lifestyle choices to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Sources
- “High blood pressure (hypertension).” Mayo Clinic
- “DASH Eating Plan.” NIH
- “One plant, different types of tea.” Palais des Thés
- “Green Tea Catechins and Cardiovascular Health: An Update.” NCBI. Pon Velayutham, Anandh Babu, and Dongmin Liu. September 22, 2009
- “What to Drink to Lower Blood Pressure Quickly: These 9 Drinks May Help.” Good RX. Cherilyn Davis, MD. July 1. 2024.
