A review of studies involving more than 1,000 middle-aged women has found that drinking tea regularly can reduce blood cholesterol by an average of 0.18mmol per litre. The research, published as Afternoon Tea Week begins, focused on green tea but suggests benefits may extend to black tea as well.
Why cholesterol rises after menopause
Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton from the Tea Advisory Panel explained that falling oestrogen after menopause alters how the body processes fats, often leading to higher cholesterol levels and increased heart disease risk. She noted that even a modest improvement from a simple dietary habit could be useful.
Both black and green teas come from the same plant and contain natural bioactives called catechins. These compounds have wide-ranging effects, including protecting cells from oxidation, fighting inflammation, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, and promoting fat burning.
How much tea is needed?
People in Britain and Ireland are the world's biggest tea drinkers, consuming around three to four cups daily. Studies suggest that around five cups of tea per day, with or without milk, delivers the optimum dose of catechins. Cholesterol reduction takes time, and differences may not appear for about three months.
A Tea Advisory Panel survey of 1,000 UK adults found that seven in ten people (69%) believe drinking tea can support women's health and wellbeing.
Is green tea the only option?
Dr Ruxton said that while the study focused on green tea, black tea is also packed with health benefits. A super-study combining ten clinical trials found that a few cups of black tea daily lowered LDL cholesterol, the type linked to heart disease and stroke. Those most at risk benefited the most.
She added that the findings don't mean every woman must immediately drink five mugs a day. Regular tea drinkers could add one more cup, while new tea drinkers might swap sugary drinks for unsweetened tea. Tea is not a substitute for cholesterol medication but offers a simple daily habit to support heart health, blood pressure, bone health, hydration, and stress relief.
