Green tea extract helps lipid levels and decreases LDL cholesterol
by Newsletter Editor
Earlier studies found green tea can reduce weight by helping the body manage lipids, doctors said.
In one study, 46 otherwise-healthy obese men and women, aged 30 to 60, took a daily dose of 379 mg of green tea extract containing 208 mg of EGCG—the most common antioxidant found in green tea—or a placebo. Participants did not change their diets or physical activities during the study, which were similar for both groups.
After three months, compared to placebo, the green tea group saw significant decreases in total and LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, lower body mass index and smaller waist size.
Total antioxidant activity also increased, and magnesium and zinc levels improved, with increasing magnesium levels helping lower or stabilize blood sugar. Iron levels also declined.
Explaining their findings, doctors said green tea may help keep cholesterol and glucose from being absorbed through the walls of the small intestine.