Tea and Coffee Reduce Blood Pressure

Recent research suggests that drinking four cups of coffee or tea a day may be good for your blood pressure. Tea and coffee have been linked to several adverse effects. Therefore, it has been advised to restrict their use.  A recent study presented to the European Society of Hypertension suggests that these beverages may not contribute to an increase in blood pressure, and may actually help to lower it.

The findings are based on a ten-year long research study by the Preventive and Clinical Investigations Centre in Paris.  It was conducted on 180,000 people who were in the ages between 16 and 95 years.  Each person was asked to record their tea and coffee intake in terms of number of cups consumed, and their blood pressures were monitored during the period.  The ‘tea’ referred to all types of tea like black, green and herbal.

The study found that heavy drinkers of tea and coffee had the lowest blood pressure readings.  Besides, their heart rate and pulse pressure were also low compared to others who did not drink these beverages. In fact, those who did not drink these beverages at all had the highest blood pressure, pulse pressure and heart rate.

The results of the study contradict previous beliefs that caffeine and tea, being stimulants can increase blood pressure.  The researchers feel that this reduction in blood pressure could be due to the relaxant effects of some compounds in these beverages on blood vessels.

Though researchers feel that the finding of the study should not be used to encourage people to drink more tea or coffee, it may not be necessary to restrict their use in patients with high blood pressure.  It should also be noted that the study has found an association between these beverages and blood pressure; however, they have not proved that they reduce blood pressure.

Source-Medindia