Endothelial dysfunction is a precursor to heart disease. It is often seen years before actual heart disease. In fact, it is estimated that about half of those over the age of 40 have endothelial dysfunction.

The endothelium is the cells that line the inner surface of all blood vessels including arteries and veins. When the endothelium is functioning properly, it is responsible for mediation of coagulation, platelet adhesion, immune function, and control of volume and electrolyte content of the intravascular and extra vascular spaces.

When the endothelium does not function properly, veins and arteries have difficulty dilating properly. These problems are thought to be the precursor to atherosclerosis, which is a leading cause of heart disease.

Several things can cause endothelial dysfunction, including cigarette smoking and diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. Diets high in fat and cholesterol can also affect the function of the endothelium.

One interesting piece of research surrounding protecting endothelial function is a study reported by the American Heart Association. This study examined patients who already had coronary artery disease. Sixty-six patients with heart disease participated in the study, which provided them with a beverage supplement each day.

Some of the participants received a supplement of black tea while others received only water. They were tested 2 hours after receipt of their first supplement and 4 weeks after they had been receiving the supplements daily.

This study concluded that tea had a positive effect on artery dilation as early as two hours after consumption. In addition, long term consumption of tea helped artery dilation long term, as well. The patients who received the water supplement showed no improvement.

In addition, some patients were treated with a supplement of just caffeine, to try and determine if the caffeine in tea was the ingredient that provided the effect.

The study showed that the patients receiving a caffeine supplement did not show the improvement in artery dilation that was seen by the participants who drank tea. So, we know that tea contains other important substances that help improve endothelial function besides just caffeine.

The substances likely responsible for teas ability to improve endothelial function are teas anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important to our bodies for many reasons. The most important function of anti-oxidants is the scavenging of free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen containing molecules that are formed as a by-product of our digestive process.

Left unchecked, they can damage our cells and DNA, causing damage, aging and disease. But, anti-oxidants scavenge these free radicals before they can cause damage.

In addition to the powerful anti-oxidants contained in tea, fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants as does coffee, wine and chocolate. Ensuring that your diet is full of anti-oxidants is important to many aspects of your health.

Your diet is important, in particular, to preventing or treating heart disease. In addition to ensuring that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants, there are some other things you can do to help your heart. Its important to remove trans fats from your diet entirely.

Read product labels looking for the words hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. If you see these words in the ingredients, there are trans fats, which are believed to have a particularly negative effect on your endothelial function.

Reduce your level of other saturated fats, too. This means reducing the amount of red meat and egg yolks you consume; making the bulk of your protein come from fish, poultry and low fat dairy products. Choosing lean meats that are lower in fat and cholesterol can make a big difference in the health of your heart.

Another important factor in reducing endothelial dysfunction is controlling your weight. Eat right and get regular exercise to ensure that your weight falls within a normal range. Losing weight can help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, too, which are important to ensuring proper endothelial function and preventing heart disease. Exercise is especially important.

Exercise can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, help you lose weight and help you gain muscle. Gaining muscle mass can help you burn more calories even when resting and can help you stay strong as you age. Aim for some form of cardiovascular exercise 3-5 times a week and strength training 2-3 times a week.

And, of course, dont forget your daily dose of tea. Whether you like it hot or iced, tea is a great way to help get your dose of anti-oxidants and protect your heart. You can choose black tea, or if you prefer, green tea. Green tea, in particular has been linked to the prevention of many diseases, including some forms of cancer.

And, while black tea is still the most popular form of tea in the Western world, green tea is gaining popularity rapidly because of its health benefits. But, whatever tea you choose, you can be sure that youre protecting your health, and your heart.

Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and black tea go to goldenmoontea.com

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