Study shows green tea heart benefits

ATHENS, Greece, July 3 (UPI) -- A Greek study said green tea appears to have a short-term beneficial effect on the large arteries of the heart.

The study by Dr. Nikolaos Alexopoulos and colleagues in the cardiology department of Athens Medical School found that green tea rapidly improves the function of endothelial cells lining the circulatory system, reducing the progression of atherosclerosis.

The study suggests endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilatation increased significantly after drinking green tea, with a peak increase of 3.9 per cent 30 minutes after consumption.

The findings are published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.