Catechin
Catechin is a flavonoid, a type of plant polyphenol, found in tea, cocoa, apples and grapes.
Does it lower cholesterol?
A meta-analysis of 31 trials involving 3,321 participants found that green tea lowered LDL cholesterol by an average 4.55 mg/dL compared with control. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides did not change significantly. These were studies of green tea preparations, not isolated catechin. 1
The modest LDL finding concerns green tea mixtures; a catechin-only benefit remains unresolved. 1
What did the exercise study measure?
A small study in 16 trained male students tested 780 mg of green tea catechins and tracked oxidative-stress markers over two hours at rest or around exercise. The responses differed between conditions. These short-term laboratory measurements do not establish disease prevention or lasting exercise benefits. 2
Short-term marker changes need confirmation in larger studies with meaningful health outcomes. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity1 effect
Cognition2 effects
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
3 publications are linked to Catechin, newest first.