Green tea appears to have a short-term health benefits on the large arteries of the heart, a Greek study has shown. The study found that the consumption of green tea rapidly improves the function of (endothelial) cells lining the circulatory system; endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis.

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 suggests endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilatation increased significantly after drinking green tea.

The results were seen with a peak increase of 3.9 per cent 30 minutes after consumption of green tea. Green tea, which originates in China but is now consumed throughout the world, is made with pure leaves, and has undergone little oxidisation during processing.

The healthy heart benefits are reportedly attributed to the flavonoids they contain and their antioxidant activity.

Same antioxidants are also found in dark chocolate and red wine. The findings are published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.