China was chosen for the study because
of the high population, high stroke rate,
and similar diet and lifestyle.
Image: iStockphoto

Curtin University of Technology researchers have found that long-term consumption of green tea can dramatically reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. 

The study, published this month in the leading medical journal, Stroke, looked at the green tea consumption of patients who had suffered a stroke in Southern China. 

The research found that people who consumed at least one cup of green tea a week reduced their risk of stroke.  Those who drank one to two cups or more of green tea a day had the greatest drop in risk of developing a stroke of around 60 per cent.

In the study, a cup of tea was a standard sized cup of 180 mls.

Curtin’s Professor of Public Health, Colin Binns, was part of the research team which included academics from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and three hospitals in Southern China.  He believes that the study could have important outcomes for a reduction in stroke, which is a major health concern worldwide.

“Stroke is a major public health problem in all countries and worldwide kills about five million people annually as well as causing considerable disability,” Professor Binns said.

“This research is the first study that documents in detail the association between green tea consumption and ischemic stroke in China.

“The research shows that long-term consumption of green tea of at least one cup a day can dramatically reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, which accounts for 70 per cent of all strokes that occur.”

The research was undertaken between 2007 and 2008 in Southern China, which was chosen for specific reasons.

“Southern China was chosen as the population there is large and has a relatively high rate of stroke. The population is also fairly homogenous and they have similar diets and lifestyles,” Professor Binns said.

“Moreover, to ensure accurate results the population studied needed to have high rates of tea drinking and habits that had been stable for 10 to 20 years. 

“As beverage habits in Australia are changing it would not be possible to repeat the study here.”

Professor Binns said the research findings were relevant for Australians.

“Even though the study was carried out in Southern China, we believe that drinking green tea will have the same effect on Western diets,” he said.

“As green tea is an inexpensive beverage to buy, we suggest that people consider green tea as their choice of beverage.” 

This same group of researchers had previously found a link to green tea consumption and reduction of prostate and ovarian cancers.