The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea to Lower Cholesterol
Green tea is an increasingly popular beverage in many cultures, due to its many health benefits. Recent studies have indicated that green tea can help to lower cholesterol, and therefore can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy heart.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced in the liver. It is an essential part of the body and plays a fundamental role in the functioning of cells and hormones. However, excessive cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease.
How Does Green Tea Help Lower Cholesterol?
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural chemical compounds that have a range of health benefits, including reducing levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). It has a positive effect on the body’s metabolism, helping it to break down the fats and cholesterol that are found in the bloodstream. Additionally, green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
How Much Green Tea Should I Drink?
The recommended intake of green tea varies from person to person, depending on their body size, metabolic rate, and other factors. Generally, it is advisable to drink 3-4 cups of green tea a day for maximum health benefits. One cup of green tea contains approximately 50-150 mg of polyphenols, which is the active ingredient that has a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
Other Tips for Lowering Bad Cholesterol
Along with drinking green tea, there are a few other tips that can help to lower bad cholesterol:
- Increase your physical activity: Regular exercise helps to increase the amount of good cholesterol while reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.
- Eat more fibre: Eating foods that are high in dietary fibre, such as oatmeal and beans, can help to reduce cholesterol levels.
- Reduce saturated fat: It is important to limit your intake of saturated fats such as red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy products, as these can raise cholesterol levels.
Overall, drinking green tea is a great way to help lower cholesterol levels, and should be combined with other lifestyle changes to obtain optimum health benefits.
