High blood cholesterol is an established risk factor for heart disease. Researchers are currently investigating if drinking tea may help lower cholesterol levels. In some earlier, less well-designed studies that were conducted with people not at risk for coronary disease a cholesterol lowering effect was not seen. However, four recent studies in people at risk for coronary disease have shown a significant cholesterol lowering effect from tea or tea flavonoids (64, 66, 68, 79). One of these studies, on post-menopausal women, found that total cholesterol was lowered by 8% after drinking 8 cups of green tea daily for 12 weeks and that total cholesterol was lowered by 5% among those who drank 8 cups of black tea for 12 weeks (68. In another study of adults with mildly elevated cholesterol levels, total cholesterol was reduced by 3.8% and LDL cholesterol was reduced by 6.4% in participants who drank 6 cups of black tea for three weeks (64). In a third study conducted in Japan, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were significantly lowered in the tea group while no significant changes were seen in the control group (79). Results from a fourth study of 240 men and women with mildly elevated cholesterol levels showed an 11.3% reduction in total cholesterol and a 16.4% reduction in LDL cholesterol among those drinking 3 cups of tea each day (66). These studies suggest that tea’s role in helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels may contribute to the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in populations in drinking tea. Several other studies are underway to confirm these results.

*While tea is a naturally rich source of antioxidants, it is not a substitute for fruits or vegetables which provide a wide range of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Please consult your doctor regarding a diet/nutritional plan that is right for you.