Tea and Heart Health: What Science Says About the Benefits

Tea is one of the world’s most popular drinks, but could your daily cup also benefit the heart? Research suggests that drinking tea may be associated with better cardiovascular health because it contains polyphenols, plant compounds that may help regulate inflammation and protect blood vessels. A review published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine in September 2026 found that regular tea consumption was associated with lower cardiovascular risk, although researchers say more evidence is needed to establish cause and effect.

How Tea May Support Heart Health

Both green tea and black tea contain polyphenols that researchers are studying for their potential effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and blood vessel function. However, current evidence does not establish that one type is consistently better than the other for preventing heart disease. Drinking unsweetened tea also be a sensible alternative to sugary drinks, helping reduce added sugar intake as part of a heart-friendly diet.

How you prepare and consume tea matters. Adding large amounts of sugar or sweetened creamers can help increase your overall sugar intake. Also, tea contains compounds that can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals, which may be a concern for people at risk of iron deficiency. If you have high blood pressure, a heart rhythm condition or take medication, ask a healthcare professional whether your caffeine intake needs adjusting.

Ultimately, tea is part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, but it is not a cure nor a guaranteed way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, monitoring blood pressure and following prescribed treatment remain important. Choosing unsweetened tea and drinking it in moderation is a reasonable option for many adults, provided it suits their individual health needs.