We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine how green tea extract impacts cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood sugar. Our search included numerous randomized clinical trials and uncovered that green tea supplementation tends to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.
We also found that it improves glycemic markers, such as fasting blood sugar. Overall, these findings support the idea that green tea can be beneficial for heart health and managing metabolic risk factors.
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Green tea reduces stroke riskGreen tea consumption and the risk of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.
Very relevant to cardiovascular health
We analyzed several studies to see if drinking green tea impacts stroke risk. By looking at data from over 645,000 people, we found that higher green tea consumption is linked to a significantly lower risk of stroke.
Those who drank around 300 mL to 900 mL daily showed the most benefit. Specifically, moderate drinkers had the most reduced risk, suggesting that enjoying green tea could be a smart choice for heart health.
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We examined how the ethanol extract of the flower from (Wall.) Meisn affects atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death globally.
In our research, we treated mice with a high-fat diet and observed that this extract reduced the formation of foam cells in macrophages, which play a significant role in plaque buildup.
The study revealed that the extract significantly decreased the size of atherosclerotic plaques and improved the expression of key genes involved in lipid transport.
Overall, we found promising evidence that (Wall.) Meisn extract could help combat atherosclerosis.
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We investigated the effects of two tea extracts, one from white tea and another combining black and green teas, on hypertension linked to metabolic syndrome in mice.
Over 20 weeks, mice on a high-fat, high-sugar diet who received these supplements showed improved blood vessel function and reduced inflammatory markers.
Importantly, these extracts seemed to prevent hypertension development, suggesting they could be a natural strategy for managing cardiovascular issues related to metabolic syndrome.
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Vitamin C may lower blood pressureEffect of vitamin C and hawthorn beverage formula on blood pressure and oxidative stress in heat-exposed workers: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
Moderate relevance to cardiovascular research.
We conducted a study to evaluate the effects of a vitamin C supplement combined with a hawthorn beverage on blood pressure and oxidative stress among workers exposed to heat. This involved a 40-day cluster-randomized controlled trial where participants were split into two groups: one received the vitamin C and hawthorn drink, while the other was provided with slightly salted water.
Throughout the study, we measured blood pressure and levels of a specific oxidative stress marker at different intervals. Notably, we observed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among those who consumed the vitamin C and hawthorn beverage compared to the control group. This suggests that the combination may help manage elevated blood pressure linked to heat exposure.
The findings highlight the potential role of vitamin C, especially when paired with other beneficial compounds in the hawthorn beverage, in combating oxidative stress and promoting cardiovascular health in individuals working in challenging environmental conditions.
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