Green tea found to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol

Green tea, both the beverage and the supplement form, can reduce levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, according to a recent US study (1).

The meta-analysis, published last month in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, analysed 20 randomised controlled trials.

Each of the 20 trials measured the effects of either green tea itself, or capsules containing green tea compounds called catechins. Each participant was given either a daily green tea supplement or drink, or else a placebo capsule or drink.

In total, the trails involved a total of 1,415 adults with raised cholesterol levels. Each of the trials lasted between three and six months. Green tea was found to reduce the trial participants’ total cholesterol and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by 5-6 more points than placebo drinks or capsules.

It is thought that the catechin compounds in green tea work to lower cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption in the gut.

Further research is needed in order to determine the optimal dose of green tea compounds. Senior researcher Olivia Phung also added that green tea is not a substitute for prescribed medication, but suggests that “adding green tea to your diet could be one way to further improve cholesterol numbers”.

It is also important to note that green tea and its extracts contain caffeine, which some people may need to avoid.

Overall, the study indicates that the use of herbal supplements such as green tea is one strategy to lower cholesterol, alongside medication and lifestyle changes.

Other strategies include reducing levels of saturated fat in your diet, such as fatty meats, and baked goods such as biscuits, pastries and cakes. Saturated fats should be replaced by healthy fats such as those present in nuts, seeds, avocado and oily fish.

Taking regular exercise can also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, and reducing alcohol intake can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

To learn more about the causes, treatment and prevention of high cholesterol, visit the British Heart Foundation website.

Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC

For Body Kind blog

References

(1.) Phung OJ, et al. Green Tea Catechins Decrease Total and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, November 2011. 111(11): 1720-1729.

(2.) Image courtesy of dem10