This Nutrient Could Save your Heart

There is a new study out of Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma showing that if your healthy eating tips include a daily supplement of green tea extract it may reduce levels of a certain type of protein that is linked to heart disease.

Individuals that are obese with metabolic syndrome have higher levels of amyloid alpha, which is a risk factor for heart disease.  After drinking green tea or consuming a green tea extract their levels of amyloid alpha decreased.

The researchers did mention though that this is the first study they know of testing these parameters and that green tea may be included as part of an overall strategy of healthy eating tips and exercise. 

Thirty five obese individuals with metabolic syndrome were recruited for this randomized controlled study and they were assigned to consume 4 cups of green tea, 2 capsules of green tea extracts or 4 cups of water per day for eight weeks. 

The green tea participants were provided an average daily dose of 450mg of EGCG the polyphenol in green tea that makes it so powerful.

What was found at the end of the study was that both green tea groups had reduced levels of amyloid alpha compared to the control group.

The green tea drink participants reduced their levels by 14.5% and the green tea extract participants reduced their levels by 24.6% after eight weeks.

This seems to be another study showing the potential benefits of green tea and EGCG.  So far science has supported green tea to reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, improved heart health and also weight management and weight loss.

It does need to be stated again that if you consume green tea that it should be combined with healthy eating tips and a proper exercise program. 

We used 610mg of EGCG per day in our Prograde Metabolism because of the science supporting its benefit towards faster weight loss.  It appears with this study that it may also be beneficial in lowering amyloid alpha protein, which helps to reduce your risk for heart disease.