High cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and is often treated with medication.
Dietary changes are frequently recommended as a supplement, but the focus is usually on solid foods rather than on what people drink.
How do beverages work?
Some beverages contain substances that can influence cholesterol levels in the body.
Harvard Health points out that plant compounds found in, for example, green tea may lower LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol.
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However, this effect is mainly observed in smaller studies, and no clear impact has been found on “good” cholesterol, HDL.
Oat drinks are another example. They contain soluble fiber, which can bind cholesterol during digestion.
A study published in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism showed lower LDL levels among people who drank oat drinks daily, but the results varied.
Focus on antioxidants
Fruit juices have also been studied because of their antioxidant content.
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Pomegranate juice and tomato juice contain plant compounds that, according to studies cited by Indian Express and published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, may reduce oxidized cholesterol and slightly improve cholesterol levels.
However, the effect is not the same for everyone, and the sugar content of juices should be taken into consideration.
Food Science & Human Nutrition emphasizes that many of the findings are based on limited evidence.
Beverages cannot replace medical treatment. They may serve as a supplement, but only as part of an overall lifestyle approach.
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Sources: Food Science & Human Nutrition, Harvard Health, Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, Indian Express, Food and Chemical Toxicology, and Food Science & Human Nutrition.
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