Green Tea Lowers Cholesterol: Large Study Reveals Results

Research into the effects of green tea consumption indicates a significant potential for reducing specific blood lipid markers, particularly total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often associated with cardiometabolic risk.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published on May 20, 2020, found that the consumption of green tea lowers both LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol (TC). The study noted that these effects were observed in both individuals with normal weight and those who are overweight.

However, the same analysis indicated that green tea consumption did not result in the lowering of triglycerides or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Impact on LDL and Total Cholesterol

Further evidence supports the finding that green tea intake significantly reduces fasting serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations. According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, these reductions occurred regardless of the specific type of intervention used, the doses of green tea catechins administered, or the duration of the study.

View this post on Instagram about Nutrition, Total Cholesterol Further

The research also suggested that these cholesterol-lowering effects were not influenced by the individual health status of the participants or the overall quality of the study.

While some data focuses on the reduction of LDL, other research mentions that green tea intakes have been linked to a marked increase in concentrations of HDL cholesterol, though this varies across different scientific reports.

Mechanisms and Cardiometabolic Risk

Recent studies have explored the biological mechanisms behind these changes. A study published on June 17, 2025, in Food Science and Nutrition focused on subjects with dyslipidemia. The research found that the LDL receptor gene was upregulated in the group consuming a green tea beverage.

This six-week intervention demonstrated potential as a treatment to reduce cardiometabolic risk in individuals with dyslipidemia.

Safety assessments during this intervention showed no alterations in liver or kidney function tests when comparing the green tea beverage group to the placebo group.

Summary of Findings

• Green tea intake is associated with a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
• The LDL receptor gene may be upregulated through green tea consumption, contributing to the reduction of cardiometabolic risk.
• Some evidence suggests that green tea does not affect triglycerides or HDL cholesterol, while other reports suggest a potential increase in HDL.
• Interventions involving green tea beverages have shown no adverse effects on liver or kidney function in studied subjects.