One step forward, two steps back

Research . . . has found that the protective effect that tea has on the cardiovascular system is totally wiped out by adding milk.

Tests on volunteers showed that black tea significantly improves the ability of the arteries to relax and expand, but adding milk completely blunts the effect. Supporting tests on rat aortas (aortic rings) and endothelial (lining) cells showed that tea relaxed the aortic rings by producing nitric oxide, which promotes dilation of blood vessels. But, again, adding milk blocked the effect.

Press release here; spotted via FuturePundit, who adds commentary (and discussion). No mention (yet) of the combined effect of adding milk and sugar, however . . . .

Posted by David on January 11, 2007 12:05 PM