Can Tea Reduce Blood Pressure?

Compounds in both green and black tea relax blood vessels, resulting in lowered blood pressure, according to a new study – published this month – from the University of California – Irvine School of Medicine. 

According to the findings, two flavonoid compounds found in tea help to relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins in the walls of blood vessels.

This is great news, and confirms long-held beliefs about the benefits of tea. 

While one person’s experience does not prove a theory, I think of my dad when I hear this data. My whole life, he has consistently had a glass of tea in his hand. In fact, his tea glass is a thing of legend in my family. Partially because it’s so predictable. And partially because he does not let his tea glass be washed. Lest it lose its flavor.

When I was a kid, I remember my dad using a metal measuring cup as a tea glass. It was larger than a standard glass, it had a sturdy handle, and the metal kept the ice in solid form for longer periods of time when he was always outside, building trailers or working on cars or something. He only came in when it got dark.

He has never had a regular doctor, until recently, when we started going to the VA hospital for checkups. The doctors he sees all seem to be exasperated by his blood pressure. Because it’s perfect. And they cannot believe he’s never been on mediation for it. He’s going to be 73 years old this month.

He does have other problems, mostly with his lungs, which is related to being a smoker for most of his  life. But his blood pressure is freakishly good. Maybe because of that dirty tea glass he carries with him everywhere he goes?

Milk Tea and Blood Pressure

Worried you might not reap the same benefits if you put milk in your tea?

Scientists believe you’re safe. According to the study, when black tea was directly applied to cells, adding milk prevented the beneficial effects of tea. However, the researchers believe the environment in the human stomach separates the catechins from the proteins and other molecules in milk that would otherwise block those beneficial effects.

This makes me think I’ll be incorporating some tea in the near term. Watch for that in our habits to come.