Effect of Green Tea Consumption on Selected Metabolic Biomarkers in Asian Indian Women with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Evidence for benefits of anti-oxidative power of polyphenols in cardiovascular diseases has been established. In the present study, effect of polyphenol rich green tea on selected metabolic biomarkers among Asian Indian women with metabolic syndrome in normal free living condition has been recorded. Thirty three Asian Indian women (>30 y) confirmed as having metabolic syndrome, were enrolled for the present study based on written informed consent. Subjects were asked to consume three cups of green tea daily for a period of four months. Regular telephonic contact and periodic visit to supply the tea were made to ensure compliance with the intervention and maintenance of lifestyle and dietary pattern, as followed before the experimental period. Parameters analyzed at baseline have been used as control data to eliminate individual variation. Double-blind analysis of selected metabolic markers was done at baseline, 2 months and 4 months of the intervention period. At four months, a significant reduction from baseline was observed in weight (2%), waist circumference (4.5%), blood sugar (4%), glycosylated hemoglobin (4%), total cholesterol (11%) and LDL cholesterol (13%) (p < 0.01). The effect of green tea consumption on BMI, fasting insulin, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels was either inconsistent or non significant. The present study showed that green tea consumption by free living subjects with metabolic syndrome resulted in significant improvements in some of the cardiovascular risk factors including visceral fat, blood sugar and cholesterol level.