Can Tea Drinking Reverse Endothelial Dysfunction?
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
