6 types of tea that help lower blood pressure

Green tea, oolong tea, and hibiscus tea contain many compounds that help dilate blood vessels, contributing to lower blood pressure.

Dr. Tran Quoc Hoai, a specialist in Cardiology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that hypertension is one of the main risk factors leading to cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, etc.) and stroke.

According to the National Cardiology Association, a patient is diagnosed with hypertension when their blood pressure measured in a clinic is ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Normal blood pressure for adults is approximately ≤ 120/80 mmHg.

High blood pressure can be improved by combining lifestyle adjustments such as exercise, weight loss, a healthy diet, reduced salt intake, and stress avoidance. Dr. Hoai suggests some teas such as hibiscus tea, chamomile tea, and olive leaf tea, which contain compounds beneficial for blood vessels, improving arterial function, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood pressure. These beverages also help balance bad cholesterol and triglycerides – factors that accelerate atherosclerosis.

Hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is made from dried hibiscus petals, which are red in color and have a slightly sour taste. This tea contains anthocyanin and polyphenol compounds that can dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Olive leaf tea

This herbal-flavored drink contains compounds such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol that help regulate blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.

Hawthorn tea

Hawthorn tea has a sweet and sour taste, improves blood circulation, and helps lower blood pressure.

Drinking 1-2 cups of tea daily is good for cardiovascular health. Photo: Freepik — Drinking 1-2 cups of tea daily is good for cardiovascular health. Photo: *Freepik*

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea contains many beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins, which promote relaxation, reduce stress, and indirectly maintain stable blood pressure. This tea is also popular for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective, and cancer-preventing properties.

Oolong tea

Catechins and antioxidants in oolong tea stimulate proteins in the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls. When these proteins are activated, blood vessels dilate, blood flow improves, and thus blood pressure is reduced. Oolong tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can lower blood pressure in people who are frequently stressed or anxious.

Green tea

Green tea contains bioactive compounds called catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which offer many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure. Dr. Hoai likens it to a natural vasodilator, helping to promote smoother blood flow through arteries and capillaries, reducing pressure on the heart.

According to Dr. Hoai, people with high blood pressure who drink tea every day may see a noticeable reduction in blood pressure after a few weeks to a few months. However, this beverage also has some potential side effects, such as:

Stress: Caffeinated drinks can cause stress, disrupt sleep, or increase heart rate in some people who are sensitive to this substance.

Stomach discomfort: Drinking too much tea on an empty stomach can lead to digestive problems or acid reflux.

Drug interactions: Certain types of tea, such as green tea, may affect the absorption or reduce the effectiveness of some medications.

It can stain teeth if consumed over a long period.

Dr. Hoai noted that people with high blood pressure should not use tea as a substitute for water in their daily diet. Patients should consult with a cardiologist or nutritionist about the type of tea suitable for their condition, dosage, and timing of consumption.

Thu Ha

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