Green Tea Supports Heart Health

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains 30 to 40% polyphenols – the primary of which are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epiggallocatechin (ECG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC).  Previous studies suggest that these antioxidant compounds exert beneficial effects on parameters of cardiovascular health. I. Onakpoya, from the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), and colleagues who   completed a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials involving a total of subjects, of 1.536 green tea and its polyphenol constituents. The researchers found that green tea consumption associated with a lower average systolic blood pressure (1.94 mmHg).  In addition, green tea consumption correlated to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.  The team speculates that mechanisms of action may include a relaxation of blood vessels, as well as lowering of prostaglandin E2. They also observe that green tea is abundant and antioxidants that have been shown to improve endothelial function.  The study authors conclude: ” Green tea intake results in significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. The effect size on systolic blood pressure is small, but the effects on total and LDL cholesterol appear moderate.”