How do green tea catechins protect against cardiovascular disease?
Green tea appears to mitigate many risks associated with heart disease and strokes and it is known to lower LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. The antioxidant effect of green tea inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries. Green tea is known to inhibit abnormal blood clot formation as effectively as aspirin while specifically inhibiting platelet aggregation and adhesion via effects that differ from those of aspirin. It also reduces risk of arterial blood clotting by two mechanisms – by inhibiting thromboxane A2 formation and, by inhibiting another clotting agent called platelet activating factor PAF. Reducing thromboxane A2 levels is highly desirable to protect against cardiovascular disease. Green tea is also known to elevate HDL cholesterol levels.
