Jakarta –
Researchers in England revealed new findings about the benefits of drinking green tea. This flavonol-rich drink can be relied on to reduce the side effects of consuming high-fat foods which affect heart health.
Drinking green tea has been known for its various healthy properties. Green tea contains compounds such as tannins, caffeine, flavonols, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Consuming it regularly can help overcome bad moods, prevent type 2 diabetes, maintain brain health, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green tea is also often relied on as a diet drink.
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Most recently, a research team at the University of Birmingham, England discovered new benefits from drinking green tea. Previously, they conducted research on participants consisting of healthy young adults.
Quote Food NDTV (23/11/2024), the participants were given high-fat food, in the form of 2 butter croissants with 10 grams of salted butter, 1.5 slices of cheddar cheese, 250 milliliters of whole milk at breakfast, and drinks containing flavanols such as green tea and drinks. cocoa.
 The side effects of consuming high-fat foods can be reduced by drinking green tea. Photo: iStock |
The study’s lead author, Rosalind Baynham explained, “After a rest period (of eight minutes), we asked participants to complete a mental math test at an accelerated pace for eight minutes, notifying them when they answered incorrectly.”
During this period, blood flow in the forearm, cardiovascular activity, and oxygen reaching the brain’s prefrontal cortex were measured. “We also measured vascular function using Brachial Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which is a prognostic measure for future risk of cardiovascular disease,” Baynham said.
As a result, this stressful task causes a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers equate this condition with stress that one might face every day.
The research team then discovered the role of consuming drinks high in flavonols such as green tea in this condition. They said that when consuming high-fat foods combined with drinks low in flavanols during mental stress, vascular function was reduced and persisted for up to 90 minutes after the stressful event ended.
 Green tea is rich in flavonols which have various healthy benefits. Photo: iStock Illustration |
The findings also suggest drinks high in flavonols are effective in preventing decline in vascular function following stress and fat consumption. Researchers previously found that high-fat foods weaken oxygen delivery to the brain, during stress.
However, the flavanols in green tea do not increase oxygen levels in the brain or affect a person’s mood, the researchers said.
“This research suggests that drinking or eating foods high in flavanols can be used as a strategy to reduce the impact of poor food choices on the vascular system,” said author Catarina Rendeiro, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Birmingham.
“This can help us make more informed decisions about what we eat and drink during stressful times,” he concluded.
(adr/odi)
