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Claiming more than 160,000 lives each year in the UK alone, heart disease poses a major threat to longevity.
Fortunately, Dr Michael Mosley has shared one popular drink could help tackle both.
Speaking on his BBC Radio 4 podcast Just One Thing, the health guru said: “I’m about to do just one very British thing that’s not only a great stress buster but could also lower my risk of heart disease and help me live a longer and healthier life.
“I’m having a cup of tea.”
If you already contribute to the millions of cups of tea that are drunk in the UK on a daily basis, you might be onto something.
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The reason why the humble cuppa could benefit your heart and longevity comes down to tea leaves being packed full of polyphenols.
Boasting a wide range of health benefits, these plant compounds seem to be particularly beneficial for supporting your heart and brain health.
Don’t just take Dr Mosley’s word for it, as research also backs the effects of tea on a longer lifespan.
A study of nearly half a million people in the UK found that those who drank two or more cups of the warming drink a day had a significantly lower risk of dying.
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“The benefits of tea seem to be most pronounced when it came to stroke and heart disease,” Dr Mosley added.
What’s more, the positive effects remained even when people added milk or sugar to their brews – good news for the fans of the classic builder’s tea.
According to Professor Andrew Steptoe, Head of Behavioural Science at University College London, who appeared on the podcast, it’s more important how long you leave your tea bag in the hot water than what you add after.
The professor said: “You need to have enough time for the bioactive compounds to operate.”
Steptoe has also observed the benefits of drinking tea on cardiovascular health and found that the popular drink could lower inflammation and platelet activation.
He said: “Inflammation which is a general process within the body that may increase risk of heart disease.
“Platelets are very small cells that circulate within the bloodstream and are involved in wound healing and stopping bleeding but they can clump together which may increase risk for heart disease.”
Therefore, Dr Mosley recommended popping the kettle on and making your brew. “It could relieve your stress, protect your heart and give your brain a boost,” the podcast host added.
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