Cheap drink helps control blood fat
Tea is a longevity drink loved by the world's longest-lived people. In particular, drinking green tea also helps reduce blood fat.
According toMedical News TodayCholesterol is a type of fat that the body uses to make cells and hormones. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are two different types of cholesterol.
HDL is the good cholesterol and you should increase it for optimal health. Conversely, LDL is the bad cholesterol and lower levels can improve health. Additionally, drinks that increase HDL or lower LDL can be helpful.
When cholesterol levels are too high, it increases the risk of serious health conditions, such as stroke or heart attack. However, optimal levels can vary from person to person. Many drinks can help lower or control cholesterol levels, such as green tea.
Green tea is considered one of the top health drinks. Photo: Shutterstock
Drinking green tea helps reduce bad cholesterol
Green tea contains catechins and other antioxidant compounds that appear to help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.
Researchers in a 2020 study examined the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), another beneficial antioxidant in green tea, in humans, animals, and in vitro (test tube) experiments.
In human models, researchers linked higher green tea consumption with lower LDL cholesterol levels. In animal models, EGCG reduced certain enzyme levels and reduced LDL cholesterol levels.
According to research in a 2021 review, black tea may also have positive effects on cholesterol.
Similarly, according toHealthline, a review of 14 studies found that consuming green tea daily for at least 2 weeks reduced total cholesterol by about 7 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by about 2 mg/dL.
Animal studies show that green tea can lower cholesterol by reducing the liver's production of LDL and increasing its removal from the blood. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming plaque in the arteries.
Drinking at least four cups a day offers the best protection against heart disease, but drinking just one cup a day can reduce your risk of heart attack by nearly 20%.
According toBlueZonesIn Japan, green tea is one of the most popular beverages. In a study of 40,000 Japanese people, regular tea drinkers had a significantly lower risk of heart disease. Studies showed a more than 30% reduction in risk in women and a more than 20% reduction in risk in men.
Stroke mortality was even lower in this Japanese population, with a reduction of more than 60% in women and more than 40% in men. Catechins are known to block the production of free radicals in arteries and tissues, preventing blood clots from forming.
Drinking green tea for a year reduces high blood pressure. In fact, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition concluded that tea, especially green tea and EGCG, benefits heart health and metabolism.
What should be noted when drinking green tea?
Physician Phung Tuan Giang, President of the Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine, added that green tea is considered one of the top health drinks.
Regularly drinking this tea can reduce the risk of heart disease or Alzheimer's disease, help us maintain better bone mineral density, avoid eye diseases that affect vision in old age, prevent strokes, fight cancer, fight metabolic disorders and prolong life.
Antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in green tea include flavonoids and catechins such as EGCG, quercetin, linoleic acid, theobromine, and theophylline.
Green tea provides powerful immune support to fight disease and prolong life. Tea leaves contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic problems.
Polyphenols are commonly found in large amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains, coffee, and wine. The specific polyphenols in tea, called catechins or EGCG, are more powerful than polyphenols found in any other naturally occurring food.
“Overall, green tea is considered one of the safest and healthiest beverages to consume. However, there are still some things to keep in mind when drinking green tea. There are some side effects, although many of them are very rare,” said Dr. Giang.
According to him, most of these side effects affect people who are sensitive to caffeine or tannins. The side effects of consuming green tea can be avoided by consuming only moderate amounts.
Many side effects only occur when consumed in large amounts. Some people are sensitive to ingredients in green tea and should also avoid the beverage. The main compound in green tea that causes reactions in sensitive people is caffeine.
Diet quality is important for lowering cholesterol. Eating a variety of plants, including whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, will increase your fiber intake, which is key to lowering cholesterol.
In addition, choose proteins that are low in saturated fat. Choose chicken, fish and plant-based proteins such as tofu. At the same time, limit red meat, cheese, alcohol and combine with regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight./.
