Tea for Minds and Hearts: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Tea is a ubiquitous and staple beverage for many people globally. It is well documented that mental well being and cardiovascular health are both recognized as being important in determining general health. The two are intricately linked as people with mental health issues are more likely to have heart disease. We systematically searched the PubMed database and selected studies by predefined eligibility criteria. The reviewed studies presented a large body of evidence indicating that black tea drinking could benefit markers of heart health, including vascular and endothelial function. There is emerging evidence that tea drinking (black and green) and aromatic inhalation of certain teas (e.g., Darjeeling and Assam teas) could aid relaxation, lower stress, dementia risk and cognitive decline and potentially improve attention and psychomotor speed in advanced age. Further human trials are warranted.