Pu-erh Tea As Cholesterol Special |
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Pu-erh Tea As Cholesterol Special |
Long a matter of mystique in China for both age and extravagance of claims, Pu-erh, a dark-colored tea, became the subject of study in several countries following a 1970s Chinese report on its effect in reducing blood fats. Articles about it as a "wonder drug" were inspired by European publication of findings at the Kunming Medical College First Hospital that Yunnan Tou Cha (Pu-erh molded in a bowl) lowered cholesterol levels 17% and triglycerides 22%. Investigations at the St. Antoine Hospital in Paris concluded that this tea did help reduce body weight and blood triglycerides and cholesterol.A Free University of Berlin study in 1983, however, concluded that this tea had no clear effect, and another in France found that it acted only on triglycerides. But a study involving two universities and a medical center in Japan found that tea also reduced cholesterol, Pu-erh more effectively than green tea. And in Paris a month of three cups of Pu-erh a day brought lipids down 25% on 20 hyperlipidemia patients, while those on other teas showed no change. (Reported at a conference on this tea in Paris.) Meanwhile, researchers at Kunming Medical College claimed that Pu-erh was better than the commonly used medicine clofibrate, and had no side effects. Whether Pu-erh is truly more effective than other teas has not really been decided. Pu-erh is truly more effective than other teas has not really been decided. Pu-erh is a rather unusual tea with some properties that others do not share. It will be fascinating to watch reports of further research to see whether these are a factor, and whether they, in turn, create any other problems. |
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