While many people prefer being cautious about taking too much tea at home or workplace, researchers now suggest that by taking three cups a day one can slash heart attack`s risk by 60 percent and dramatically reduce diabetes threat.

Researchers believe that the humble cuppa, packed with health-giving antioxidants, can help prevent the two killer conditions in a triple-pronged attack, the Daily Express reported.

The study found that in most cases black tea was found to produce a significant protective association.

Regular consumption of tea is claimed to prevent artery-blocking blood clots, control blood pressure and stop arteries from dangerously constricting and inhibiting blood flow. All three conditions can set off a killer heart attack as blood vessels feeding oxygen to heart muscles become blocked.

An extensive review of 40 research papers by Carrie Ruxton and Pamela Mason, and published in the UK Nutrition Bulletin, evaluated a raft of data linking black tea and disease prevention.

Ruxton and Mason estimate that people taking three to six cups of tea a day lower their risk of contracting heart disease by 30 to 57 percent compared with people who never drink it or who drink small amounts.

`Given the available evidence to date, regular black tea consumption is linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes,` Ruxton said.

`Though the amount required to produce such benefits should be the subject of further research, three to six cups of black tea daily appears to contribute to cardiovascular health.`

Source: IANS
Image: Flickr/creativecommons agirlwithtea