4 cups of tea a day cuts heart disease risk

Newspapers reported a review of several studies on tea consumption and its effects that found drinking more than three cups of tea a day cuts the risk of heart attack due to the natural plant antioxidants, polyphenols, in tea. The researcher also found that adding milk to tea made no difference to the effect of tea. The study was funded by the Tea Advisory Panel and the Tea Council.

Although the evidence indicates a positive role for tea in human health, critics say that there are many risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease, people should not rely on drinking tea for protection from heart attacks.

Source: "Black tea and health." Nutrition Bulletin 2008; 33 91-101

Owning a cat could cut stroke risks

Scientists at the International Stroke Conference in America said owning and stroking a cat may reduce stress and so protect against cardiovascular disease, reported The Telegraph.

They looked at nearly 4,500 adults aged 30 - 75 and found that cat owners had a much reduced chance of developing strokes or heart attacks, even those who no longer owned a cat benefited from these protective effects.