Green Tea Lowers LDL Cholesterol

POMONA, Calif.Drinking green tea every day is associated with a significant reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels; however, there was no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglyceride levels, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Researchers at Western University of Health Sciences evaluated the relationship between green tea catechins (GTCs) and serum lipid levels, including total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. The study analyzed 20 trials that tested either green tea itself or capsules containing green-tea compounds called catechins.

Results showed that green tea reduced 5 to 6 points more from participants total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels than placebos. Green tea in a cup was more consistently effective than capsules, though the benefits overall were fairly small.

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 three to 24 weeks, led to statistically significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol compared to controls who did not consume any. There was no significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels.