Green Tea reduces the risk of developing coronary artery disease; Americas biggest killer

The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of existing research to determine whether an association exists between tea consumption and protection from coronary artery disease in observational studies.

The researchers combed PUBMED and EMBASE databases for studies conducted from 1966 through November 2009. Study-specific risk estimates were combined by using a random-effects model. A total of 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis: 13 studies on black tea and 5 studies on green tea.

For black tea, no significant association was found through the meta-analysis with an 8% decreased risk of developing heart disease. For green tea, the summary relative risk calculated indicated a significant association between the highest green tea consumption and reduced risk of coronary artery disease by 28%. Furthermore, an increase in green tea consumption of 1 cup a day was associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of developing coronary artery disease. The research analysis is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 19th,2011 [Epub ahead of print].