EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Background: Numerous studies indicate that polyphenol rich green tea can reduce several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Limited research exists on the impact this beverage has on Scotland. Objective: To investigate the effect of green tea consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in a Scottish population.Design: CVD risk factors such as pulse wave velocity (PWV), total body mass, blood pressure (BP) and total cholesterol were measured in a fasted state at baseline, post green tea (Post GT), post washout (Post WO) and post control (Post CON) periods. Other assessed variables included food intake, height, body mass index (BMI), urine total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Results: Significant reductions occurred in PWV, p = 0.01, and total body mass, p = 0.012, following green tea consumption. Although not significant marked reductions in BP ,p = 0.065, and total cholesterol , p = 0.009, and increases in total polyphenols, p= 0.035, and antioxidant capacity, p= 0.030, were observed following subject stratification as responders or non-responders. Conclusion: Regular green tea consumption appears to reduce overall CVD risk.