Most people know that high cholesterol is bad, but high LDL cholesterol is the worst. Basically, LDL – low-density lipoprotein – is the “bad” cholesterol that you don’t want. High levels of LDL can cause health problems such as stroke, heart attack or heart disease. If you try hard, stick to a diet low in cholesterol and fat and perhaps include teas into your diet, you may be able to help lower your LDL cholesterol.
Black Tea: Like green, white and oolong teas, black tea is made from the shrub called Camellia sinensis. It’s a popular drink with a stronger more robust flavor than its “tea cousins” – i.e. green tea – as it is oxidized more so than the other teas during the preparation process. It also has more caffeine than white, oolong or green.
Black Tea and LDL: Promising results have been found from an experiment focusing on black tea and its effects on cholesterol. Conclusions of the experiment state in the “Journal of Nutrition.” ” inclusion of tea in a diet moderately low in fat reduces total and LDL cholesterol by significant amounts and may, therefore, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Green Tea: This popular beverage is made from the same plant as black tea, but it is not as strong as black tea and does not contain nearly as much caffeine. Therefore, it may be more ideal for those sensitive to caffeine. It also provides a smoother more mild taste. Green tea is an ancient Chinese beverage that has been consumed for thousands of years. Green Tea and LDL: The University of Maryland Medical Center states: “One population-based clinical study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea.” The statement was based on research dealing with results form studies on male smokers, as well as an animal study that offers the conclusion that polyphenols in green tea can suppress the absorption of cholesterol within the body.
Mate Tea: Mate tea is a tea originally from South America. It has been used for numerous medicinal reasons, including lowering your cholesterol. The drink is a made from the leaves of a plant called yerba mate. Its leaves are typically steeped and then dried. Mate tea can be consumed hot or cold.
Mate Tea and LDL: Mate tea may aid in the reduction of your LDL cholesterol. Researchers from the University of Illinois explored the results of mate tea on LDL cholesterol, and published results in “Planta Medica.” In a group of volunteers who drank either mate tea, milk or coffee, results concluded that a 10 percent increase of an antioxidant called paraoxonase-1, was seen in those who drank tea. This particular antioxidant is very helpful when it comes to increasing good cholesterol and reducing LDL cholesterol.
Sources:
The Journal of Nutrition
University of Maryland Medical Center
Science Daily
