If you have high cholesterol, it means that you have too much of a fatty substance, or cholesterol, in your blood. Over time, this can build up in blood vessels and cause blockages.
This can prevent blood from flowing properly through the arteries. This is why high cholesterol is a major risk factor for medical emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks.
There are several factors that can contribute to high cholesterol, one of which is diet. For example, eating too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels.
Fortunately, making certain dietary changes can also have the opposite effect.
Research shows that one hot drink in particular can help you lower your cholesterol in a healthy way.
One study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2011 found that polyphenols known as catechins in green tea led to “significant” reductions in both total cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol).
The study authors said: “Consumption of green tea catechins was associated with statistically significant reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; however, there was no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [‘good’ cholesterol] or triglyceride levels.”
A similar conclusion was reached in a scientific study from 2020.
A meta-analysis published in the Nutrition Journal looked at the effect of green tea on more than 3,000 people.
“The meta-analysis included 31 studies with a total of 3,321 subjects. Overall, consumption of green tea significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels compared to controls.
“Green tea consumption did not affect HDL cholesterol; however, it reduced triglycerides compared to control.”
These findings were the same in people who were both overweight or obese and in those who were healthy.
However, the authors of the study added that more research is needed that includes more diverse populations and over a longer period of time.
This year, Teresa Fung, associate professor of nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, also suggested that the catechins in green tea may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, help lower blood sugar levels, and even prevent tooth decay. He recommended three cups a day for best results.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor.
