Consumption of green tea helps lower "bad" cholesterol by 5-6 units, US scientists say. They summarize the results of 20 clinical trials involving 1,415 adults.
According to experts, a hot drink has a more effective effect on reducing LDL cholesterol than taking supplements.
The catechins contained in the capsules are thought to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association .
The antioxidant effect of green tea has a role in lowering cholesterol. It helps protect the patency of the arteries and ischemic heart disease.
Regular drinking of green tea is also useful for lowering blood pressure , as well as against the development of various types of cancer.
Green tea contains essential oils (aldehydes, phenylethyl alcohols, phenols, hexenal, hexenol, linalool, dihydroactinidiolite and p-vinylphenol), vitamins B and C, minerals, tannins and caffeine. The composition of the drink includes about 35% low molecular weight polyphenols.
It should be borne in mind that when consuming large amounts of green tea, due to the caffeine content, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, palpitations and headaches may occur. Adding milk to tea helps eliminate unwanted side effects on the digestive system, as it reduces the effect of tannins.