Drink that helps reduce cholesterol and risk of heart attack
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
High cholesterol levels indicate that there is a large amount of fatty substances in the body, which over time can accumulate in the blood vessels, causing blockages. A simple drink may help prevent this, according to a study from the National Library of Medicine.
Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol, one of which is diet. For example, consuming too many saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels.
Fortunately, making certain changes to your diet can have the opposite effect.
The study found that polyphenols known as catechins, found in green tea, led to a significant reduction in bad cholesterol.
The results were the same for people who were overweight or obese, as well as for those who had a normal weight.
Professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, Teresa Fung, stated that catechins found in green tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, help lower blood sugar levels, and even prevent tooth decay. She recommended three cups a day for the best results.
Causes of high cholesterol
The main causes of increased cholesterol levels:
- Poor diet, particularly consuming large amounts of saturated fats, found in pork, beef, milk, eggs, butter, cheese, and also in processed foods containing vegetable oils and margarine
- Weight gain
- Low physical activity. Regular exercise can burn extra calories, lower blood pressure, and raise levels of "good" cholesterol
- Genetic predisposition. If your family members have high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases, it is important to monitor your health closely to avoid similar problems
- Smoking reduces "good" cholesterol and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Liver and pancreatic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and other endocrine diseases, chronic kidney disease, and prolonged use of corticosteroids can also contribute to high cholesterol
Who should avoid drinking green tea
Green tea is not recommended for people with increased excitability and tachycardia. Other contraindications include:
- Anemia
- Anxiety disorders
- Blood clotting disorders
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Glaucoma.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
