Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

A randomized double-blind, controlled parallel multi-center trial consisting of a 2-week run-in period and a 12-week treatment period was conducted to investigate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) high in catechins on body fat reduction and reduction in the risks for cardiovascular disease in obese individuals. Data consisted of 240 subjects 25 to 55 years of age (catechin group; n = 123, control group; n = 117). Participants in the treatment group had an intake of 583 mg catechin (equivalent of about 4-5 cups of green tea), while those in the control group had an intake of 96 mg catechin. Decreases in body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, body fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were found to be greater in the catechin group than in the control group. Those in the treatment group experienced a loss of about 4 pounds after 12 weeks. A greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found in the catechin group compared with the control group for subjects whose initial SBP was 130 mm Hg or higher.  A reduction of 9.0 mm Hg vs 2.9 mm Hg was seen. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was also decreased to a greater extent in the catechin group. No adverse effect was found. In conclusion, catechins, especially in high amounts, reduce body fat, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure in women and men. (115)