Large Chinese Study Links Regular Tea Drinking to Lower Vascular Risk
A study followed nearly 486,000 adults in China for about nine years and recorded vascular disease cases. Regular tea drinkers had an 11% lower risk than non-drinkers, with the lowest estimates among weekly drinkers consuming roughly six to eight cups daily. Black tea showed more consistent associations than green tea, and very hot tea was linked to higher risk.
The Journal of Internal Medicine report drew on 485,934 adults in China, tracking them for a median 9.05 years. During follow-up, 14,863 vascular cases were recorded, spanning heart, brain, pulmonary-heart, and peripheral-artery conditions. People who drank tea regularly showed an estimated 11% lower risk than those who did not.
The lowest estimate appeared near six to eight cups daily among weekly drinkers. Black tea had steadier inverse links than green tea, moderate-strength tea corresponded with the lowest risk, and very hot tea with higher risk. Combined analysis also tied tea habits, smoking status, and physical activity to vascular risk.
This study could inform everyday choices for tea drinkers and clinicians discussing prevention, especially where tea is common. It may draw more attention to beverage temperature and to combined lifestyle factors such as smoking and activity. Because the study tracked people over time rather than assigning tea, it may shape public messaging cautiously rather than establish cause; consumers could receive nuanced advice rather than a simple “tea protects the heart” claim.