Are you a tea-aholic? New study says two cups a day may protect your heart, but there is a catch

Economic Times

21 hours ago

Sweet Sip, Bitter Risk?
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Those who drank up to two cups of unsweetened tea per day showed a 21% lower risk of heart failure. (Image: iStock)
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If you're among the millions of Indians who begin and end their day with a cup of tea, there might be more than comfort brewing in your teacup. According to a report from the Daily Mail, A new study suggests that drinking up to two cups of unsweetened tea daily could significantly reduce the risk of heart failure and stroke. However, the benefits disappear the moment you add sugar or sweeteners—a caveat that may disappoint many desi chai lovers who prefer their tea sweet, milky, and spiced.The research, published in the International Journal of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention, draws from a study conducted by Nantong University in China, which analyzed data from 177,810 UK adults with an average age of 55. While the study is based on British tea habits, the findings carry important implications for India, where tea culture is deeply embedded across all regions and age groups.Over a period of nearly 13 years, researchers tracked the health outcomes of these participants, among whom 147,903 were tea drinkers. Crucially, 68.2% of them consumed their tea without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. The results were striking. Those who drank up to two cups of unsweetened tea per day showed a 21% lower risk of heart failure, a 14% reduced risk of stroke, and a 7% lower chance of developing coronary heart disease.But here's the catch: none of these cardiovascular benefits were observed in individuals who added sugar or sweeteners to their tea.What makes unsweetened tea so heart-friendly? The answer lies in the tea's polyphenols—naturally occurring compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help protect the heart and blood vessels by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, two major culprits behind cardiovascular diseases.Adding sugar or artificial sweeteners disrupts this balance. Both are known to promote insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, conditions that raise the risk of heart disease. In essence, sugar doesn't just add calories—it may also cancel out tea's natural health benefits.In India, tea is not just a beverage—it's a ritual. But our preferred version of chai often involves generous amounts of sugar, milk, and sometimes even condensed milk or cream. While this makes for a delicious pick-me-up, it may not be the healthiest habit, especially for those concerned about heart health.Given the study's findings, now might be a good time for Indian tea aficionados to rethink their brew. Swapping sugary chai for lighter, unsweetened variants like green tea, black tea, or herbal infusions could be a small change with big cardiovascular payoffs.The research reinforces a growing body of evidence that everyday dietary choices can have long-term health consequences. While tea itself continues to hold its place as a beneficial beverage, how we consume it matters immensely.So, the next time you're reaching for that second cup of chai, consider going easy on the sugar—or skipping it altogether. Your heart just might thank you for it.