Many different types of drinks contain compounds that may help reduce cholesterol levels or healthfully maintain them, such as oat and soy drinks.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance the body uses to make cells and hormones. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are two different kinds of cholesterol. When cholesterol levels are unhealthful, it increases the risk of serious health conditions, such as stroke or heart attacks.
This article discusses drinks that may help control cholesterol levels, as well as drinks to avoid. It also lists alternative approaches that may be useful for people who wish to achieve more healthful cholesterol levels.
1. Green tea
Green tea contains catechins and other antioxidant compounds that seem toTrusted Source help lower “bad” LDL and total cholesterol levels.
In a 2015 studyTrusted Source, scientists gave rats drinking water infused with catechins and epigallocatechin gallate, another beneficial antioxidant in green tea. After 56 days, scientists noticed cholesterol and “bad” LDL levels had reduced by around 14.4% and 30.4% in the two groups of rats on high-cholesterol diets.
Black tea can also have a positive impact on cholesterol, but to a lesser extent than its green variant. This is mainly because different amounts of catechins in the teas mean that the body absorbs liquid differently.
Additionally, caffeine can also help raise HDL levels.