Best Tea for Heart Health: Which Herbal Options Support Seniors Naturally?

What is the best tea for heart health? Many selections exist, each offering unique benefits for seniors' heart health. Teas that support seniors naturally include caffeine-free options, such as hibiscus, rooibos, and hawthorne, known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, alongside antioxidant-rich green tea, anti-inflammatory ginger, and calming chamomile, which reduces stress, a key risk factor.

The Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) estimates that as many as 98% of seniors, aged 60 years and older, have more than one chronic disease, with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) being most prevalent. CVD encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, often involving plaque buildup in the arteries that restricts blood flow.

Cardiovascular disease is preventable with heart-friendly habits centered around regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet. Incorporating herbal teas into your daily regimen can also support heart health, as they are natural, caffeine-free alternatives with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can enjoy a cup of pure, natural herbal tea at specialty spots in Hayward, CA. The city makes transitioning to a lifestyle that promotes overall well-being easy by offering activities for seniors focused on health, social connection, and hobbies through the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD).

Why Herbal Teas Benefit Seniors' Hearts 

Seniors face heightened risks from hypertension and oxidative stress due to the body's age-related changes. These can:

• Stiffen arteries
• Impair the kidney's handling of sodium
• Increase inflammation
• Reduce antioxidant defenses

They can also lead to high blood pressure, causing further damage to vessels and worsening overall cardiovascular health.

Herbal teas contain polyphenols and flavonoids that lower LDL cholesterol, relax blood vessels, and reduce inflammation without the side effects often associated with medication. These senior wellness drinks also hydrate by providing water, often with added electrolytes for better fluid balance, and do not have a mild diuretic effect like caffeinated drinks. Herbal teas are ideal for older adults managing multiple conditions and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. 

What Is the Best Tea for Heart Health?

Herbal tea and heart health are closely linked because the rich antioxidants they contain fight inflammation and cell damage, potentially lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol, while reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

How can you start boosting your overall well-being by using the best tea for heart health? Here's a list of promising teas you may want to try:

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea relaxes blood vessels and significantly lowers systolic blood pressure through daily consumption, which helps reduce hypertension. It is also rich in anthocyanins, which promote better circulation.​ Other benefits include reductions in bad cholesterol and blood sugar, while also supporting weight management and hormonal balance. You can consume one to three cups daily by steeping the hibiscus at 200°F for 5-7 minutes using 1 tablespoon dried petals.

Rooibos Tea

Caffeine-free rooibos tea is rich in powerful antioxidants such as aspalathin and quercetin that effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, and may improve lipid profiles.​ It can be consumed in moderation by using 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf or one tea bag with 8oz of boiling water, steeped for 5-7 minutes.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea, rich in flavonoid antioxidants, is one of the most calming teas for seniors, promoting relaxation, lowering stress levels, and aiding sleep, indirectly benefiting cardiovascular function. Take 1-3 cups daily by cooling freshly boiled water for 30 seconds, then pouring it over 1-2 teaspoons of loose chamomile or a tea bag in a mug and steeping covered for 5-10 minutes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea contains gingerol, which has been associated with improved blood flow, potentially reducing clotting. It also alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress for better arterial health.​ You can take 1-2 cups daily using a thinly sliced, grated, or smashed one-inch piece of ginger in one cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes.

Hawthorn Tea

Hawthorn tea's flavonoids and glycosides are known to potentially strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood flow through vessel dilation, and lower blood pressure. This helps with conditions like angina and heart failure. Steep one teaspoon of dried berries in a cup of boiled water for 10-15 minutes. 

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, such as EGCG, which actively lower LDL cholesterol, enhance blood vessel function to decrease blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. These antioxidants also prevent blood clots and improve overall lipid profiles. Take 2-3 cups of freshly brewed green tea daily by adding 175-185°F of water to your cup with one teaspoon of loose-leaf green tea or a tea bag.

Precautions and Lifestyle Integration 

Although herbal teas are often promoted as natural heart remedies, consulting a healthcare professional before adding them to your daily regimen is crucial, as some herbs may interact with medications. Pair teas with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring, but for best results, be consistent, starting with one cup daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tea Clears Your Arteries?

No tea can unclog arteries that are already blocked. However, green, black, and hibiscus teas contain compounds, such as flavonoids and catechins, that support artery health by reducing inflammation, lowering LDL cholesterol, improving blood flow, and preventing plaque formation.

For optimal benefits, integrate these teas into a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new teas, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

What Is the Best Drink for Your Heart and Arteries?

Water is the best drink for optimal heart and arterial health. However, other beverages, such as unsweetened tea, coffee (in moderation), and certain juices, including beetroot and pomegranate, provide bioactive compounds that actively protect arteries and reduce the risk of disease. Limiting or avoiding sugary drinks, excessive alcohol, and high-sodium juices can also protect your arteries.

Better Overall Wellness and Naturally Stronger Hearts 

What is the best tea for heart health? It's difficult to name one, but hibiscus, green, and ginger teas stand out as top herbal options for supporting senior heart health. They offer natural, caffeine-light alternatives suitable for daily routines in senior living, while rooibos and chamomile provide additional benefits.

Herbal teas offer the perfect complement to Bellara's Elevate® dining experience, which combines healthy ingredients to create homestyle meals. It's a nutritional boost that is further enhanced by our Vibrant Life® program, which offers a variety of wellness activities. Contact us to learn how we help promote naturally stronger hearts.