Improve Cardiovascular Health with Green Tea

Epidemiological studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. (Epidemiological studies refers to studies that follow large groups of people over time and/or studies that are comparing groups of people living in different cultures or with different dietary habits, etc.)

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Both epidemiological and animal studies indicate that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol in both animals and people. One population-based study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body."

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Harvard medical school study of 1,900 heart attack victims found that heavy tea drinkers were 44 per cent less likely than nondrinkers to die in the three to four years after heart attack (about 19 cups a week).  Moderate tea drinkers had a 28 per cent lower death rate (fewer than 14 cups per week).  The study looked at deaths from all causes, not just heart disease. While this study did not differentiate between green or black tea, the researchers speculated that it was the polyphenol content (such as EGCg) that provided the protective effect.

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Consuming more than ten cups of green tea per day is associated with a decrease in serum cholesterol levels, decrease in LDL, VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) and triglycerides, increase in HDL and reduction in atherogenic index.

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EGCg reduces platelet aggregation about as much as aspirin.

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4 or more cups of green tea per day halved risk of atherosclerosis.

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3 or more cups of green tea per day reduced the incidence of stroke by a factor of 4.

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Suggestions for Maximizing Green Tea Health Benefits.

Green Tea and EGCg references for information contained on this page