Green Tea and Cholesterol
Does It Work And How Fast?

Eat too much meat and don't get enough exercise? Green tea and cholesterol research have found two ways in which drinking tea can help.

There are two types of blood cholesterol, commonly known as “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.

The “bad” kind hardens and blocks arteries, leading to heart disease and heart attacks. The “good” kind moves harmful matter away from the heart toward the liver, which then breaks it down and disposes of it.

Drinking green tea lowers your overall cholesterol levels, and improves the ratio of HDL to LDL.

Does It Work?

The mechanism by which green tea reduces cholesterol is still being examined. It seems to work in two ways:

A 1999 Hong Kong study found that green tea blocks cholesterol absorption, and increases excretion of bile salts that flush cholesterol out of the body.

Green Tea and Triglycerides - Lose Weight And Thin Blood

A 2005 Japanese Study found that green tea keeps LDL from oxidizing.

When oxidized, cholesterol gets sticky and begins to harden and clog. If it does not oxidize, it is more likely to be moved along to the liver and kidneys for disposal.

Green Tea and Cholesterol - Protect Against LDL Damage

What Else?

The evidence about green tea and cholesterol is just one part of the good news for your heart! This amazing beverage helps fight your risk of heart attack and heart disease in several other ways.

Prolonged daily consumption of green tea has been linked to weight loss, fat oxidation and lower blood sugar. These are all components of heart health.

Research also shows a link between intake of green tea and reduced risk of Type II diabetes.

The huge levels of antioxidants in green tea are your next line of defense against disease.

Free radicals have been shown to decrease general health, and to attack healthy cells. The more antioxidants you take in, the healthier your heart and your whole body will be!

A few cups of green tea per day, along with plenty of exercise and a good diet, can keep you strong and healthy into old age.

How Fast?

Many green tea and cholesterol studies have supported the hypothesis that green tea consumption lowers cholesterol levels.

One study in China found that men who began the study with elevated cholesterol levels lowered them by up to 16% in just 12 weeks.

Anecdotal evidence varies, but my reader Cunedia found that green tea helps reduce her cholesterol count by 20% in just 2 weeks. Is it a fluke or do other people experience similar fast results?

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If you are taking blood thinning medication, consult with your health adviser, and use green tea cautiously.

Green tea may contain vitamin K, which when used in large quantities can reduce the blood thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin®), a phenomenon that has been reported in a human case.

Green Tea and Heart Heatlh

Green tea and heart studies have always been controversial and conflicting. But increasingly scientists are uncovering evidence of tea's real benefits.

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