Cholesterol is both beneficial to the body and can also be a health risk. It is a fat-like substance found in the cells of the body that helps with digestion and supports in the production of hormones and Vitamin D. One of the most common benefits of drinking tea, is it can lower and maintain the cholesterol at the ideal level. Drinking the right kind of tea can provide an organic treatment alternative or simply aid in the prevention of high cholesterol levels.
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Cholesterol Vocabulary
There are three types of cholesterol and terminologies that one should be familiar with. High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL, Low-Density Lipoprotein or LDL, and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein or VLDL.
High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL, is also referred to as the “good” cholesterol because it transports the cholesterol around the body before it is expelled. The ideal HDL level is 60 mg/dL or higher, and anything less than 40 mg/dL can cause a major risk factor for heart disease.
Low-Density Lipoprotein or LDL, is also referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. The build-up in LDL is the “high cholesterol” terminology we are more familiar with, this has the potential to lead to a more serious health risk. LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL, 130—189 mg/dL is considered high, and anything above 190 mg/dL is already very high.
Very Low-Density Lipoprotein or VLDL, contributes to the build-up of plaque in the arteries. VLDL mainly carries triglycerides and LDL mainly carries cholesterol.
What Causes High Cholesterol Level?
An unhealthy lifestyle that includes smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can cause high blood cholesterol. Being overweight and inheriting the illness are also other factors.
Health Risks of Having High Cholesterol
Chronic diseases are illnesses that would last for three months or longer and having a high cholesterol level is one of them. Cholesterol at the normal level is beneficial for the body but high blood cholesterol can be life-threatening, especially when it can cause or worsen other illnesses.
Individuals with high cholesterol are also at risk of acquiring high blood pressure. The plaque build-up will harden and narrow the arteries and cause restriction to the blood flow, this will result in having the heart pump harder which results in high blood pressure. High cholesterol is also linked to stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Health Disclaimer When Drinking Tea for Cholesterol Levels
Drinking tea is known to be beneficial for the body as they have holistic health benefits. Regularly drinking tea can help lower and maintain the cholesterol in the blood, however, drinking several cups a day can lead to a potential health risk. Low blood cholesterol also has its downside, a study was conducted by Duke University, that showed having low cholesterol would lead to a deficiency in Vitamin D that is important for cell growth. If the brain cells are not healthy, one may experience anxiety or depression. While another study by the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions stated that low cholesterol may increase the risk of cancer. Finally, pregnant women with low cholesterol have a higher chance of delivering a baby prematurely or having a baby who has a low birth weight.
If you have any pre-existing medical condition aside from having high cholesterol levels, be aware that certain types of tea can interact, reduce, or block the effects of other medications. And it is also not advised to stop the medications prescribed by your physician while drinking tea.
How Are Antioxidants In Tea Help Lower Cholesterol Level?
Antioxidants are one of the reasons why drinking tea can help lower down the cholesterol level. Natural sources of antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of various diseases such as cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants are thought to provide several heart-protecting benefits, including reducing Low-Density Lipoprotein or the “bad” cholesterol. Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, prevents the liver from producing “bad” cholesterol, while Vitamin C and carotenoids protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Kinds of Tea That Helps Lower Cholesterol Level
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, it is the reason why green tea is one of the healthiest beverages available. The EGCG is a type of antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease and high cholesterol by destroying VLDL that is a precursor to LDL cholesterol. Preventing this at an early stage will also counteract high blood pressure and the possibility of a heart attack.
Oolong Tea
Researchers from China discovered that drinking at least 10 ounces of oolong tea per week had reduced the level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. And individuals who have regularly consumed oolong tea has a more stable and manageable cholesterol level caused by long-term drinking of oolong tea. Oolong tea can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and is also associated with weight loss, being at the ideal weight will lower the risk of acquiring high cholesterol.
Black Tea
Similar to green tea, black tea also contains catechins but different kind of antioxidants called theaflavins and thearubigins. The antioxidants help bring down the total and LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Black tea contains the highest amount of caffeine compared to other tea, however, for those with other pre-existing health conditions or other regular medications, the caffeine can either block the absorption or increase the effects of the medicines. Also, caffeine raises blood pressure due to the stimulatory effect on the nervous system, heavy coffee drinkers would often experience this through palpitation and shaking. So drinking black tea is advised for those without any other illnesses.
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea originated in Yunnan, China. The leaves go through an intricate process by longer fermentation period and aging them for several years, this process oxidizes the leaves longer which amplifies its antioxidant benefits. This unique process is said to be the reason why Pu-erh tea has a distinct flavor and several unique medicinal properties, one of those is the capability to reduce cholesterol levels. A research study was conducted on a group of obese adult participants who drank Pu-erh Tea every day for 20 weeks. The results showed that there was a mild reduction in the cholesterol levels and the participants experienced weight loss and reduction of body fat.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is one of the most powerful tea when it comes to health benefits. It can prevent hypertension, lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar levels, and aid digestion and weight management. Hibiscus contains the highest amount of antioxidants among all of the herbal teas, and therefore, maybe the best tea for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level.
Pomegranate Tea
If you’re not buying a pomegranate tea by a commercial brand, this tea can be made using crushed pomegranate seeds, dried pomegranate flowers, or simply by adding concentrated pomegranate juice to a regular cup of tea. Pomegranate contains a high amount of antioxidants called polyphenols, it is said that pomegranate contains three times more antioxidants than red wine or green tea. Thus, it protects the heart, improves blood flow, and slows the growth of plaque and buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.
Chamomile Tea
One of the most popular teas that promotes sleep and relaxation is linked to helping maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Flavones, the antioxidants in chamomile tea, have been effective in lowering blood pressure and total cholesterol, triglyceride, and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. A health disclaimer, chamomile tea can make the blood thin and may increase the risk of bleeding, and it may cause a potential health risk for those with a pre-existing medical condition.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea supports the production of bile through the liver that is then stored in the gallbladder. Bile contains cholesterol and it helps with digestion until the final stages of the digestion tract. The excess cholesterol in the body will be absorbed by the bile that will eventually be eliminated from the body. However, having too much cholesterol in the bile will form crystals and hard stones in the gallbladder. This makes peppermint tea beneficial for eliminating excess cholesterol in the blood and reducing the risk of cholesterol build-up. At the same time, peppermint tea also contains antioxidants that are known for lowering the cholesterol in the blood.
Red and Green Rooibos Tea
This flavorful caffeine-free tea contains antioxidants that can protect against cancer, heart disease, and stroke. There are two kinds of Rooibos tea, the red and green one, they are both from the same shrub called Aspalathus Linearis. The red Rooibos tea, which is more popular, goes through the process of fermentation and this gives the dark red color of the tea. On the other hand, green Rooibos tea is not fermented and has a more grassy flavor, it is more expensive but is said to have higher antioxidants than the red tea.
Berries
Blueberries are said to have the best effect in lowering down the bad cholesterol in the body, next are red raspberries, sweet cherries, and strawberries. Fortunately, these berries are commonly used for teas making it convenient to consume all year-round. Berries contain high antioxidant properties and soluble fiber which are beneficial for lowering the LDL and supporting the liver function.
Citrus Fruits
Researchers have discovered that a compound called polymethoxylated flavones or PMF are found on citrus fruits and their peels are more effective in lowering cholesterol levels better than some prescription drugs without the nasty side effects. These fruits would include oranges, limes, grapefruits, and lemons.
Apricot Tea
Eating apricots is healthy for the heart because of the high beta-carotene and fiber content found in the fruit. Apricots have soluble fiber that helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Five to ten grams of soluble fiber a day can help decreases the risk of LDL cholesterol build-up.
Apple Tea
An apple a day keeps the doctor away – and here’s why: one kind of soluble fiber called pectin, which is found in fruits like pears, apples, guavas, quince, plums, gooseberries, and other citrus fruits helps lower the cholesterol level by up to 10%. The polyphenols and antioxidant compounds found in apples can prevent the build-up of “bad” cholesterol in the body.
There are no symptoms of having high cholesterol unless one regularly checks through a blood test. Having high cholesterol may be an effect of pre-existing illness, an inherited disorder, or acquired through an unhealthy lifestyle. What is important is that it can be stabilized through proper medication boosted with the health benefits of drinking tea. Lowering down the cholesterol level in the body can also be done by simply having a healthier diet and eating more fruits which are packed with antioxidants that help maintain a healthy cholesterol level. While fruits are seasonal, you can now enjoy them at any time of the year thanks to the tea blenders. It is never too early to take care of your body, start today, and choose the best tea for your heart.
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