A popular hot drink costing just four pence could help lower levels of cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly can improve cardiovascular health.
High cholesterol is a condition where there’s too much fat in the blood, which can cause blockages in blood vessels. This increases the risk of medical emergencies like strokes and heart attacks. However, research suggests that incorporating green tea into your diet may help reduce cholesterol levels.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that polyphenols in green tea led to a significant reduction in both total and “bad” cholesterol. Another study from 2020, which analyzed data from over 3,000 people, also concluded that green tea intake significantly lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm the effects of green tea on different populations and over a longer period. Green tea’s catechins may also have benefits beyond just reducing cholesterol, such as lowering blood sugar levels and preventing tooth decay.
To put this into practice, you can buy a pack of 20 green tea bags from Tesco for 75p, which works out to just 3.75p per bag. The NHS recommends combining green tea with other lifestyle changes, such as eating less fatty foods, exercising more, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, and seeking medical advice if you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/lower-cholesterol-levels-green-tea-34232378