11 hours Ago By Katie Oborn
A particular beverage has been found to have a 'beneficial effect' on total cholesterol (TC) when consumed regularly. This green drink is packed with antioxidants, including flavanols and catechins, which seem to positively impact the reduction of TC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the body. Cholesterol is a natural substance in the human body that circulates in the blood and aids in maintaining cell health.
However, there are 'good' and 'bad' types of cholesterol, and high levels of LDL can lead to health complications such as heart disease. While this lipoprotein in the blood delivers cholesterol to the body's cells and supports normal functioning, elevated levels of LDL can contribute to atherosclerosis - a condition characterized by plaque build-up in the arteries. This can heighten a person's risk of heart disease and stroke, but plant chemicals (flavanols) could help lower 'bad' cholesterol.
Green tea is a rich source of these flavanols, and these plant chemicals are currently under investigation for their potential heart health benefits. HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity highlights the possible advantages of consuming them, along with numerous other studies exploring the effects of flavanols on blood lipids. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has made a significant health revelation, with their report noting that "green tea intake lowers fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults".
This groundbreaking research was showcased on the Science Direct website and aimed to "identify and quantify the effect of green tea and its extract on total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol", reports Surrey Live . Their lucrative study discovered that: "Primary outcome measures were changes in TC, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol between baseline and final concentrations because of green tea beverage and green tea extract supplementation. The results for TC were reported in 14 comparisons from 13 studies that represented 949 participants, and the mean change in TC concentrations was significantly reduced in subjects supplemented with green tea than in controls.
" Touting similar benefits, The Nutrition Journal conveyed in their study's outcomes: "In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that green tea supplementation has a beneficial effect on TC and LDL cholesterol levels in both normal weight subjects and overweight/obese subjects; however, the protective role of green tea against high triglyceride levels was not supported in this study. Additional large prospective cohort studies are needed to provide a more definitive conclusion on the association between routine consumption of green tea and lipid metabolism." HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity has dished out tips on 'how to eat enough flavanols', highlighting the antioxidant perks of these plant compounds.
According to their website, "the best way to get the heart healthy benefits of flavanols, specifically epicatechin (a flavanol), is to eat plenty of plant foods which are high in these". They've put green tea on the menu as a top pick for a daily dose of flavanols. Sipping on two cups of green tea each day could be a game-changer for lowering total cholesterol, including the dreaded LDL-cholesterol, based on scientific findings.
The charity also spilled the beans on other flavanol-rich foods like berries, grapes, apples, pears, and nuts. Black tea joins its green cousin as a powerhouse of these beneficial plant chemicals, with a few cups potentially helping to slash levels of 'bad' cholesterol. For those looking to go the extra mile, The Cholesterol Charity's website advises: "Better still, include the whole range of polyphenols in your diet by eating a variety of plant foods every day, including fruit and vegetables, pulses, wholegrains, herbs and spices.
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