Green Tea Lowers Cholesterol, Improves Blood Sugar

A University of Southern California study of 103 postmenopausal women has found that over an eight week period green tea lowered LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. and improved blood sugar metabolism. 

The most active component of green tea is the antioxidant catechin, called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).  In the study, 1/3 of the women consumed 400 mg of EGCG per day, 1/3 had 800 mg of EGCG, and the other 1/3 were the control group.  It is well known that metabolism in postmenopausal women can go on the blink, thus the lowered LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. and improved blood sugar metabolism study results show that green tea can be quite helpful.

I have previously reported that green tea can help lower cholesterol, explaining various mechanisms in my article, How Green Tea Improves Cholesterol Metabolism. 

This new study also indicates improvement in blood sugar metabolism.  It has long been recognized that green tea reduces the risk for diabetes.  Researchers continue to try to figure out how green tea helps improve glucose metabolism.

One new animal study shows that green tea protects the beta cells of the pancreas and helps preserve normal production of insulin by the pancreas.  Another study shows that green tea improves the fitness of fat, helping glucose metabolize normally within white adipose tissue while reducing inflammation in the fat tissue.  And another study shows that green tea boosts adiponectin Protein hormone that modulates metabolism including glucose and fatty acid catabolism. High levels are associated with low body fat. within white adipose tissue, a key hormone that prevents insulin resistance.

The green tea science rolls on.  Each new study helps paint the picture by which green tea helps both cholesterol and blood sugar.  It is now clear that EGCG helps by multiple mechanisms and is one good way to help keep your metabolism in good working order.