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Drink up for better health.
What we eat plays a clear role in lowering cholesterol, with nutrient-rich foods like oatmeal, brown rice, high-fiber vegetables, fatty fish and seeds helping out.
Beverages help too, as one drink that’s been around for centuries — and is still popular today — not only lowers bad cholesterol, but can also increase longevity.
One of the most consumed beverages in the world, green tea has several health benefits, such as protecting the cardiovascular system against stress and even making people happier.
The decaffeinated version of the ancient drink could also prevent an early death from several causes and significantly reduce unhealthy cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.
One study found that unsweetened decaf green tea in particular lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, especially if consumed after dinner.
And drinking enough can lower the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke by 26% and death by all causes by 16%.
A study of 40,530 Japanese adults found that consuming more than five cups of tea a day resulted in reduced chances of death from any cause except cancer.
The drink, which has been consumed for at least 2,000 years, contains several plant compounds that lower LDL cholesterol over time.
It’s high in catechins, or potent antioxidant flavonoids that limit how much cholesterol the body absorbs and help protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation that contributes to plaque buildup.
These catechins can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes, by helping to protect against cellular damage.
There’s also a high amount of polyphenols, another plant compound that acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties to protect blood vessels as well as the heart.
Longevity doctors swear by the antioxidant-packed drink as a cheap and easy way to also boost skin, joint, immune and gut health.
Another study out of Japan also showed that adults who regularly consumed green tea had fewer cerebral white matter lesions, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
Replacing a post-dinner beverage, like dessert cocktails or cream-based drinks, with unsweetened green tea can also help cut down on sugar, alcohol and saturated fats — all of which can contribute to higher cholesterol.
While plain green tea is naturally unsweetened, bottled drinks or ones made at coffee shops can come with plenty of added sugar.
The daily amount of sugar should be limited to no more than about 6 teaspoons for most women and 9 teaspoons for most men, according to the American Heart Association.
But while green tea does have potential benefits for cholesterol, it can’t lower LDL on its own.
Instead, it should be consumed alongside a healthy diet of foods rich in unsaturated fats and soluble fiber, regular movement throughout the day and better sleep.
