Zee Media Bureau
London: Here's a good news for Earl Grey tea lovers! Scientists say drinking Earl Grey tea daily could keep heart disease at bay.
According to researchers, Earl Grey or black tea contains an extract of a Mediterranean citrus fruit called bergamot, which was found to lower cholesterol as well as guard against a disease that causes more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK.
Bergamot also gives Earl Grey the distinct taste and smell that has traditionally made this tea quite popular.
The study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, revealed that the fragrant bergamot extract contains enzymes known as HMGF (hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonones), which can attack proteins in the body known to contribute to cardiovascular disease.
The scientists added that a dietary supplement of HMGF could be just as effective as statins in combating low-density proteins (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol.
While statins are wonder drugs used to control cholesterol, it may have side effects on patients.
With Agency Inputs
