A simple trick will help make green tea as useful as possible

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Green tea for breakfast can become the simplest in a way that will help support general health and blood pressure, in particular. A new study has found that one unusual trick maximizes the benefits of this drink.

The secret lies in heating such tea to a temperature of at least 37 degrees Celsius. The thing is, this trick activates its blood pressure-lowering enzymes.

Research has shown that a protein called KCNQ5 plays a key role in the fight against hypertension. It is part of the outer membrane of cells, which helps them control the flow of potassium into the blood, the main “fighter” with high pressure.

“That's why KCNQ5 is called a 'potassium channel' protein.” KCNQ5 and other ion channels are necessary for controlling the electrical activity of our body and for processes such as thinking, movement, muscle contraction and heartbeat,” he added.

Scientists found that heated tea helps open this channel, which, in turn, causes cells to release potassium ions that regulate pressure. Experts noted that to obtain such an effect, you don't even need to keep the tea hot – just heat it.

As Abbott said, the compounds present in the heated drink (even after re-cooling) interact more effectively with KCNQ5, allowing potassium ions to enter the bloodstream from the cells. If tea is brewed for the first time, it is best to use hot water for this. In this case, all useful antioxidants can be extracted from the drink.

However, experts advised to make sure that water of the right temperature is used for tea preparation. According to them, it is usually lower than the one recommended by the manufacturer. For example, oolong and black tea should be brewed at a temperature of 75-80 degrees Celsius, they added.