What is the best drink to lower cholesterol
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that drinks containing red yeast rice, green tea, black tea, oat β-glucan, plant stanol esters, phytosterols, and mixed green vegetables and fruits can effectively lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.
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Best Drinks to Lower Cholesterol: A Research Synthesis
Nutraceutical Drinks with Red Yeast Rice (RYR)
Cholesterol-Lowering Efficacy
Nutraceutical drinks containing red yeast rice (RYR) have shown significant cholesterol-lowering effects. In a study involving 79 subjects, those who consumed a fruit-flavored drink with RYR experienced a 14% reduction in total cholesterol and a 17.8% reduction in LDL cholesterol over eight weeks. This suggests that RYR can be an effective natural alternative for individuals who are intolerant to statins.
Tolerability
The study also highlighted that the nutraceutical drink with RYR was well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported, making it a viable option for long-term use.
Green Tea
Meta-Analysis Findings
Green tea has been extensively studied for its lipid-lowering properties. A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that green tea consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol by 7.20 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol by 2.19 mg/dL. These findings indicate that green tea can be a beneficial addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet.
Consistency Across Studies
The cholesterol-lowering effects of green tea were consistent across various subgroups, including different doses and durations of treatment, suggesting its broad applicability.
Black Tea
Controlled Diet Study
Black tea has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. In a controlled diet study, participants who consumed five servings of black tea daily experienced a 6.5% reduction in total cholesterol and an 11.1% reduction in LDL cholesterol. This indicates that black tea can be an effective beverage for managing cholesterol levels.
Additional Benefits
The study also noted reductions in apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a), further supporting the cardiovascular benefits of black tea.
Oat β-Glucan Beverage
Clinical Trial Results
A beverage containing high-molecular-weight oat β-glucan (OBG) was found to reduce LDL cholesterol by approximately 6% in a four-week clinical trial. This suggests that oat β-glucan beverages can be an effective option for lowering cholesterol.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
The study also reported an 8% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, highlighting the broader health benefits of oat β-glucan beverages.
Plant Stanol Ester Smoothie
Rapid Cholesterol Reduction
A smoothie drink enriched with plant stanol esters significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 9.0% within four weeks in hypercholesterolemic Indonesian adults. This rapid effect makes plant stanol ester smoothies a compelling choice for those needing quick cholesterol management.
Sustained Efficacy
The cholesterol-lowering effects were sustained over the study period, indicating the potential for long-term benefits.
Phytosterol-Enriched Soya Drink
Effectiveness in Lactose-Intolerant Individuals
A phytosterol-enriched soya drink was effective in reducing LDL cholesterol by 5.96% in normocholesterolaemic Chinese adults, making it a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Safety and Tolerability
The study reported high compliance and minimal adverse events, suggesting that phytosterol-enriched soya drinks are both effective and safe.
Reduced-Calorie Orange Juice with Plant Sterols
Comprehensive Benefits
A reduced-calorie orange juice beverage with plant sterols not only reduced LDL cholesterol by 9.4% but also lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, indicating anti-inflammatory benefits. This dual effect makes it a valuable addition to a heart-healthy diet.
HDL Cholesterol Increase
The study also noted a significant increase in HDL cholesterol, further enhancing its cardiovascular benefits.
Mixed Green Vegetable and Fruit Beverage
Significant Reductions
A mixed green vegetable and fruit beverage containing broccoli and cabbage significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic patients. This suggests that such beverages can be an effective natural remedy for cholesterol management.
Long-Term Benefits
The cholesterol-lowering effects were sustained over the study period, indicating the potential for long-term health benefits.
Conclusion
Based on the synthesis of multiple studies, the best drinks to lower cholesterol include nutraceutical drinks with red yeast rice, green tea, black tea, oat β-glucan beverages, plant stanol ester smoothies, phytosterol-enriched soya drinks, reduced-calorie orange juice with plant sterols, and mixed green vegetable and fruit beverages. Each of these drinks has demonstrated significant cholesterol-lowering effects and offers additional health benefits, making them excellent choices for managing cholesterol levels naturally.
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