Would you like fries with that?

All throughout Atlanta last week, cardiologists were seen eating greasy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, deep-fried hushpuppies, and pork barbeque – and then following it up with a cup of green tea.

Ok, I made that up. But according to research presented last week at the American College of Cardiologists’ annual scientific sessions in the Georgian capital, drinking tea — green or black — may help minimize the effects of high-fat foods – and provide overall heart benefits, no matter what you’re eating.

Artery elasticity key to heart health

One of the key factors of heart health is the ability of our blood vessels to dilate, or widen, to accommodate increased blood flow demands. (Doctors call this measurement coronary flow reserve.) When arteries can’t dilate effectively, blood can’t flow efficiently – and the risk of a heart attack increases. Previous studies have shown that high-fat meals can temporarily decrease the arteries’ ability to dilate. In fact, a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that five hours after a meal with 100 grams of fat, men’s coronary flow reserve measurements declined nearly 20 percent.

Earlier research has also shown that antioxidants, like those found in tea, might mitigate that effect. So to test that theory, doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center tracked artery dilation in 30 healthy, non-smoking volunteers between the ages of 20 and 55. None of the participants were regular tea drinkers before the study.

Using ultrasound, the doctors assessed how well the participants’ arteries dilated in response to blood flow. First, they temporarily cut off blood flow in the upper arm using a blood pressure cuff. Then they removed the cuff and immediately measured the artery’s response to the rush of blood.
Tea improves arteries ability to dilate

The dilation response was first measured at baseline. Then the participants were divided into three groups. Each group ate the same 900-calorie fast-food meal with 50 grams of fat – but each group washed it down with a different beverage. One group drank iced black tea, one drank iced green tea, and one drank a control beverage that looked and tasted like tea. Three hours after the meal, they measured their artery dilation again.

According to a press release, the researchers reported that the participants who drank black or green tea had a better dilation response after the high-fat meal than the participants who drank the control beverage. The actual study hasn’t yet been published so we don’t have any more specifics.

While the debate over high-fat vs. high-carb continues to rage on, one thing everyone seems to agree on is that a Big Mac and fries are never health food – particularly if they are a regular part of your diet. But this preliminary report shows us a way to mitigate some of the negative effects when you do decide to stop at the Golden Arches.

Source:
“Black and Green Tea May Prevent Cardiovascular Disease” http:www.umm.edu/news/releases/tea4two_3-27-02.htm
Annals of Internal Medicine 2002;136:523-528

Copyright 1997-2002 by Institute of Health Sciences, L.L.C.