Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Cholesterol (low)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Green tea has been extensively studied for its potential effects on blood cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have found that regular consumption of green tea, especially green tea extracts standardized for catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can result in modest but statistically significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol in adults. The cholesterol-lowering effects are thought to be largely due to green tea catechins, which may decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol and increase its excretion, as well as improve lipid metabolism. For example, a 2011 meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition analyzed results from 14 randomized controlled trials and found that green tea or green tea extracts significantly lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo.

It is important to note that while green tea can help lower elevated cholesterol, there is little evidence to suggest it is beneficial for those with already low cholesterol levels. Most studies focus on individuals with normal or high cholesterol. In these populations, green tea is considered a supportive adjunct to diet and lifestyle changes for cardiovascular health. Overall, the evidence supports green tea as a scientifically validated option for modest cholesterol reduction, especially for those with borderline or mildly elevated cholesterol, but not as a treatment for low cholesterol.

More about green tea
More about Cholesterol (low)

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Odor
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
Endometriosis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hemochromatosis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles