Is Green Tea Good for Heart Health?
Green tea has been used for centuries for its purported health benefits, and research increasingly supports many of them. One such benefit is its potential positive effects on heart health.
Nutritional Value
Green tea contains polyphenols, micronutrients that we get from many foods. Catechins are a type of polyphenol in green tea that is powerful antioxidants. An 8 oz. cup of green tea contains about 240 – 320 mg of polyphenols and 50 – 125 mg of catechins.
Potential Benefits
Studies suggest that green tea may have a positive effect on the following areas of heart health:
- Cholesterol levels:Green tea has been shown to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, while possibly raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Blood pressure:Several small studies have found that green tea may have small but significant effects lower systolic blood pressure.
- Blood sugar:Studies suggest that green tea may help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Summary
Green tea contains catechins which are potent antioxidants. Studies suggest that adding green tea to your diet may help lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar. Such effects may translate to better heart health, but more research is needed.
