Drinks to lower cholesterol
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Drinks to Lower Cholesterol: A Comprehensive Review
Beta-Glucan-Enriched Fruit Drinks
Beta-Glucan and Cholesterol Reduction
Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oats, has been shown to effectively lower serum concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol when incorporated into a fruit drink. A study demonstrated that consuming a beta-glucan-enriched fruit juice daily for five weeks resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol by 4.8% and LDL cholesterol by 7.7% compared to a placebo group. This cholesterol-lowering effect is attributed to reduced cholesterol absorption without affecting plasma concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants.
Nutraceutical Drinks with Red Yeast Rice (RYR)
Synergistic Effects of Nutraceuticals
A multicenter study evaluated the efficacy of nutraceutical fruit-flavored drinks containing niacin, phytosterol esters, L-carnitine, vitamin C, Co-Q-10, and red yeast rice (RYR). The drink with RYR significantly reduced total cholesterol by 14% and LDL cholesterol by 17.8% over eight weeks, showing no adverse effects except for a single case of headache. This suggests that nutraceutical drinks with RYR can be a safe and effective alternative for those intolerant to statins.
Green Tea
Meta-Analysis of Green Tea's Effects
Green tea consumption has been associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that green tea beverages and extracts lowered total cholesterol by 7.20 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol by 2.19 mg/dL, with no significant effect on HDL cholesterol. These findings highlight green tea as a beneficial drink for managing cholesterol levels.
Black Tea
Black Tea and Cholesterol
Black tea has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. In a controlled study, consuming five servings of black tea daily for three weeks resulted in a 6.5% reduction in total cholesterol and an 11.1% reduction in LDL cholesterol compared to a placebo. This suggests that black tea can be an effective part of a cholesterol-lowering diet.
Oat β-Glucan Beverages
Clinical Trial on Oat β-Glucan
A clinical trial demonstrated that a beverage containing high-molecular-weight oat β-glucan (OBG) significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by approximately 6% and total cholesterol by 5% over four weeks. This reduction was consistent across different demographics, making OBG beverages a reliable option for lowering cholesterol.
Plant Sterol-Enriched Drinks
Efficacy of Plant Sterol Drinks
Plant sterol-enriched drinks, such as single-dose yogurt drinks, have been shown to effectively reduce LDL cholesterol. A study found that consuming these drinks with meals led to a 9.5% reduction in LDL cholesterol, emphasizing the importance of intake timing for optimal efficacy. Additionally, a reduced-calorie orange juice beverage with plant sterols significantly lowered LDL cholesterol by 9.4% and total cholesterol by 5% over eight weeks.
Smoothie Drinks with Plant Stanol Esters
Cholesterol Reduction in Indonesian Population
A study in Indonesia found that a smoothie drink with 2 grams of plant stanol esters reduced LDL cholesterol by 9% and total cholesterol by 5.7% within two weeks. This rapid and significant reduction highlights the effectiveness of plant stanol ester-enriched drinks in managing cholesterol levels.
Mixed Green Vegetable and Fruit Beverages
Impact on Hypercholesterolemic Patients
A beverage containing mixed green vegetables and fruits, including broccoli and cabbage, significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients over three weeks. This suggests that such beverages can be a practical dietary addition for lowering cholesterol.
Deep Seawater
Effects of Deep Seawater on Cholesterol
Drinking deep seawater (DSW) with high magnesium content has been shown to decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Over six weeks, DSW consumption led to significant reductions in these lipid levels, along with decreased lipid peroxidation. This indicates that DSW could be a novel approach to managing cholesterol.
Conclusion
Incorporating specific drinks into the diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels. Beta-glucan-enriched fruit drinks, nutraceutical drinks with RYR, green and black tea, oat β-glucan beverages, plant sterol-enriched drinks, smoothies with plant stanol esters, mixed green vegetable and fruit beverages, and deep seawater have all demonstrated efficacy in reducing total and LDL cholesterol. These drinks offer various mechanisms and benefits, providing multiple options for individuals seeking to manage their cholesterol through dietary means.
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