Drinking tea can offer multiple benefits when it comes to gut health, inflammation, and even longevity. What’s even more, it can also be a major aid to heart health—specifically green tea. “Green tea would be my choice as a good choice for heart health,” says registered dietitian Dawn Menning, MS, RD. “It’s rich in antioxidants, especially one called EGCG, that can help decrease inflammation which may reduce the risk of heart disease.” To help encourage you to drink more tea, plus inform you about green tea’s impressive health benefits, we asked Menning to break down the link between green tea and improved heart health.

Why Green Tea Can Boost Heart Health

“Some studies have shown that green tea may be associated with lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved blood vessel function,” Menning explains. LDL cholesterol—also known as “bad” cholesterol—can cause plaque in the arteries and, as a result, can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Drinking more green tea can help curb LDL cholesterol while boosting HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol.

Additionally, “green tea contains an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can help reduce oxidative stress that can potentially damage blood vessels and may contribute to heart disease,” Menning says. “Chronic inflammation plays a role in heart disease, and green tea has anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammatory markers.” Oxidative stress creates an imbalance in the body’s natural ability to neutralize antioxidants, a necessary compound that delays oxidation. By drinking more green tea, you can help regulate the free radicals that cause oxidative stress to begin with—and feel healthier overall.

Plus, drinking multiple cups of green tea isn’t just healthy—it’s also encouraged by nutrition experts. “Most studies suggest two to four cups of green tea per day may provide benefits,” Menning says. “Unsweetened green tea can be a healthy habit, especially if it’s a replacement for sugary drinks.” When you’re itching for a caffeinated drink, green tea can provide a quick energy boost without the added sugar from coffee creamers and other artificial sweeteners. So the next time you’ve reached your daily coffee limit, reach for a cup of green tea.