Studies have revealed numerous heart health benefits from the consumption of green tea either as a beverage or in green tea extract form. The antioxidant properties of the catechins and polyphenol compounds in green tea are thought to be responsible for lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine and also help the body get rid of cholesterol. In another small study of male smokers, researchers found that green tea significantly reduced blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol."
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Medical News Today reported on studies that included green tea extract and its effects on heart health. Dr. Olivia J. Phung from the College of Pharmacy at Western University of Health Sciences in California analyzed numerous studies to find evidence on whether green tea played a role in the lowering of "bad" cholesterol and the potential elevation of "good' cholesterol.
Dr. Phung and her colleagues claim "Green tea catechins, at doses ranging from 145 to 3,000 mg per day (including consumption as green tea beverage and extract in capsules) taken for 3 to 24 weeks, led to statistically significant reductions in total and LDL ('bad') cholesterol compared to controls who did not consume any."
In addition, Dr. Phung's comprehensive analysis of pooled statistical data indicated, "Green tea catechins did not alter HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels."
The American Heart Association recently reported, "People who drank two to three cups of green tea daily had a 14 percent lower risk of stroke and those who had at least four cups had a 20 percent lower risk, compared to those who rarely drank it."
The AHA noted that those who consumed green tea were more likely to exercise, a factor that may also play a role in facilitating heart health and may have been due to increased energy levels resulting from the caffeine in green tea.
High cholesterol can cause heart disease and stroke and although prescription medications can be effective in lowering cholesterol, diet and exercise play a key role in maintaining heart health.
Based on the numerous scientific studies that have been conducted on green tea, the addition of green tea extracts to the diet may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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