Scientists have found that Earl Grey tea can lower cholesterol and cut the risk of heart disease.
The tea’s leaves are blended with extracts of bergamot, which experts believe is beneficial to the heart.
It could even be as effective as statins – the drugs used to control cholesterol, but which possibly come with side effects.
A new study by the University of Calabria in Italy claims it contains the enzymes hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonones, which can treat heart disease effectively.
Researchers also found that it reduces levels of LDL, the bad cholesterol which leads to heart disease, and increases HDL, which doctors label as good cholesterol.
Published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the report said: “High cholesterol is a common health concern for us all and often statins are given to help treat the condition. Extract from bergamot – most commonly used in Earl Grey tea – reduced total cholesterol, and LDL levels but there was an increase in HDL levels (good cholesterol).”
Bergamot is a Mediterranean citrus fruit which gives Earl Grey its distinct flavour and smell. It’s also used as antiseptic and in traditional medicines in the southern Europe to treat wounds and inflammation.
Extracts are also used in jams, ice cream and perfumes in the region, researchers say.
Time to drink up, people!
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