A new study suggests that black tea reverses blood vessel dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease, which reduces the risk for heart attack and stroke in these patients.

The study was published in the July 10 issue of the medical journal Circulation.

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American researchers found that when a group of people with heart disease who have abnormal blood vessel function to begin with, were asked to drink tea, their blood vessels improved .

In their crossover study, the scientists asked 66 patients with coronary artery disease to drink either 4 cups of black tea or 4 cups of water daily for 4 weeks. Investigators found the arteries of the tea drinkers were better able to expand and contract with the body's blood flow needs compared with the arteries of the water drinkers.

The findings could help explain why black tea has heart health benefits. The study does not directly prove that tea can prevent cardiovascular disease. The writers speculate that flavonoids in tea are what help the artery walls stay healthy.

The results are regarded as important but not anywhere near a guarantee that black tea drinkers will live longer.

Multiple studies on other foods, such as soy and vitamin C or E, or hormones have shown promise for preventing heart disease, but have failed when tested in major clinical trials.

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