Green tea, oolong tea, hibiscus tea, matcha tea and rooibos tea may help support cholesterol control when used alongside prescribed treatment, diet and exercise, according to published reports.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A pharmacist has identified five teas that may help people managing high cholesterol as part of a broader heart-health plan, according to published reports.
The teas highlighted were green tea, oolong tea, hibiscus tea, matcha tea and rooibos tea. The pharmacist cautioned that the beverages should be used to complement medical treatment, not replace prescription medications or professional care.
The recommendations reflect growing interest in dietary strategies that may support cholesterol management. Research cited in the reports indicates that compounds found in several teas, including flavonoids, catechins and other antioxidants, may affect cholesterol levels, inflammation and cardiovascular health. Patients were advised to speak with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, particularly if they are already taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
Green tea was the first beverage identified. The pharmacist noted that green tea contains catechins, plant compounds that may help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as LDL cholesterol.
A review published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research stated that consumption of green or black tea has been inversely associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The review also noted that tea constituents, particularly flavonoids, may provide protective cardiovascular effects.
Additional research published in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology found that epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, improved lipid profiles in rats, including by increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol.
The pharmacist said drinking two to three cups of green tea daily may be useful for cholesterol management. That recommendation aligns with research on tea flavonoids, according to the report. Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid associated with cognitive benefits, though its direct role in lowering cholesterol has not been established. The report advised drinking green tea without excessive sweeteners to preserve its potential benefit.
Oolong tea was the second tea recommended. The pharmacist said oolong tea contains polyphenols that may contribute to lower cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, placing it between green and black tea in processing. Scientific literature cited in the report suggests that teas containing flavonoids may help improve cholesterol profiles. One review found that black and green tea lowered cholesterol plasma levels in animal models, with black tea reducing levels by 20% and green tea by 28%.
Although those findings did not focus exclusively on oolong tea, the report noted that oolong contains flavonoids similar to those found in green and black teas.
Another analysis in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research concluded that tea compounds may benefit the cardiovascular system through antioxidant and antiradical activity. Those effects may help protect vascular walls from oxidation and inflammation. The pharmacist said adding oolong tea to a balanced diet may support overall heart health.
Hibiscus tea was the third beverage listed. The pharmacist said hibiscus tea contains antioxidants that may support cardiovascular function and cholesterol control.
Research on Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract in rats, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found that the extract inhibited low-density lipoprotein oxidation and produced anti-hyperlipidemic effects in fructose-fed and cholesterol-fed animals. The study found reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
The report also noted that some human research has indicated hibiscus tea may lower LDL and total cholesterol, though additional studies are needed to confirm the size and consistency of the effect. Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an option that can be consumed throughout the day.
Matcha tea was also included among the pharmacist’s recommendations. Matcha is a concentrated form of green tea made from powdered whole tea leaves. Because it contains the same active compounds as green tea, including catechins, research on green tea catechins may also apply to matcha.
The report said matcha may offer similar cholesterol-supporting effects because it delivers those compounds in a more concentrated form. Matcha superfood formulas have also been promoted for convenience and laboratory-tested purity, according to the reviewed material.
Rooibos tea completed the list. Rooibos comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant native to South Africa and is not a true tea from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is caffeine-free and contains unique polyphenols.
The pharmacist described rooibos as having anti-inflammatory properties that may help support cholesterol management. The report noted that evidence for rooibos is less extensive than for green tea, but it may still be a useful addition to a heart-healthy diet.
The pharmacist emphasized that none of the five teas should be treated as a substitute for prescribed cholesterol medication. Patients were urged to consult a doctor or pharmacist before changing their diet or using teas as part of a cholesterol-management plan.
The report also noted that prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs can produce side effects in some patients. Statins and fibrates may be associated with muscle pain, digestive issues and nutrient depletion. Gemfibrozil has been linked to stomach pain and blurred vision, while colesevelam can cause constipation and abdominal pain. Some reports also indicate that statins may deplete coenzyme Q10, a nutrient important for heart and muscle function.
The pharmacist recommended combining tea consumption with a balanced diet, regular exercise and medical oversight. Reducing processed foods and increasing whole foods remain foundational strategies for supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
The recommendations, reported by Verywell Health, were presented for educational purposes and not as medical advice. Further research may be needed to confirm the long-term effects of these teas on cholesterol and broader lipid profiles.
For people seeking natural ways to support heart health, green tea, oolong tea, hibiscus tea, matcha tea and rooibos tea may offer benefits when used appropriately. The safest approach, according to the report, is to incorporate them as part of a broader cholesterol-management plan guided by a healthcare professional.
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