(Cholesterol) The effects of a cup of warm green tea... What drinks lower cholesterol?

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, helping reduce bad cholesterol. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

Because there's so much controversy surrounding cholesterol, many tend to think it's unconditionally bad. However, cholesterol is essential for the body's production of cell membranes, various hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids.

Low cholesterol shortens the lifespan of red blood cells, making anemia more likely and increasing the risk of bleeding disorders. Conversely, high cholesterol can cause deposits to form on arterial walls, leading to atherosclerosis. Maintaining appropriate cholesterol levels is crucial.

In general, total cholesterol levels are considered appropriate if they are less than 200 mg/dL, triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol less than 130 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol more than 40 mg/dL.

Since improving your dietary habits can help regulate your cholesterol levels, it's important to consume foods that support your cholesterol levels on a regular basis. Based on data from health and medical media outlets like MedicalNewsToday, we've compiled a list of drinks that help regulate cholesterol levels and those that should be avoided.

|Drinks that help with regulation|

green tea Green tea contains catechins and other antioxidants that are known to help lower total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol."

In an experiment on rats, when rats fed a high-cholesterol diet were given water containing catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), found in green tea, their total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels decreased.

soy milk Soybeans are low in saturated fat. Therefore, drinking soy milk instead of cream or full-fat milk may help lower or control cholesterol levels.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day. Experts also recommend consuming two to three servings of soy-based foods or beverages per day. One serving is equivalent to 250 ml of soy milk.

oat drink Oats contain beta-glucan, which reduces cholesterol absorption. Consuming them in a beverage, such as oat milk, rather than in solid form, helps lower cholesterol levels.

For maximum benefit, it's recommended to consume about 3 grams of beta-glucan per day. This amount can reduce LDL cholesterol by 7%.

tomato juice Lycopene, abundant in tomatoes, can help improve lipid levels and lower LDL cholesterol. Juicing tomatoes is said to increase lycopene content.

Berry Smoothie =Most berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, both of which can help lower cholesterol levels.

Anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant found in berries, are particularly helpful in improving cholesterol levels. Blend two handfuls (about 80g) of any variety with 2/12 cup of low-fat milk or yogurt and 1/2 cup of cold water.

cocoa drinks Cocoa, the main ingredient in dark chocolate, contains antioxidants called flavanols, which help improve cholesterol levels. One study found that drinking 450 mg of a beverage containing cocoa flavanols twice a day for a month lowered LDL cholesterol levels and increased HDL cholesterol levels.

Cocoa's high monounsaturated fatty acids can also help improve cholesterol levels. However, beverages containing processed chocolate are high in saturated fat, so it's best to drink pure cocoa beverages.

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Which of the juices mentioned above?

Do you like it?

I also like drinking green tea

Besides green tea, there seem to be many good juices to choose from.

A cup of cocoa is nice on a cold day like today.