Large Chinese Cohort Links Regular Tea Consumption to Lower Vascular Risk
A large observational study that followed nearly 486,000 adults in China for about nine years found regular tea drinkers had an 11% lower relative risk of cardiovascular and related vascular conditions. The association was strongest at roughly 6–8 cups per day and appeared more consistent for black tea, but the researchers caution that the study cannot prove causation and that diet, income, and lifestyle differences may remain unaccounted for.
The cohort included 485,934 adults in China followed for a median of about nine years. During that period, 14,863 participants developed cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary heart disease, or peripheral artery disease. People who routinely drank tea had an 11% lower relative risk than those who did not drink it regularly.
The link was strongest near six to eight cups per day. Black tea showed more consistent associations than green tea, and moderate-strength tea was linked to lower risk than extremely hot tea. Combining tea drinking with not smoking and high physical activity corresponded to the lowest observed vascular risk.
This story may reinforce public interest in tea as a heart-health habit, especially among older adults and regular tea drinkers in China and beyond. It could also shape how clinicians discuss lifestyle, but because the evidence is observational, it may invite overinterpretation of specific cup counts or tea types. Food and beverage marketers may cite it, while public health communicators may need to stress overall diet, smoking, and activity rather than a single drink.