A cup of Earl Grey keeps the doctor away: the drink could guard against heart disease, scientists say

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There’s another reason to put the kettle on and make a brew – drinking tea could help tackle heart disease, according to a study.

Bergamot extract, the key ingredient in Earl Grey tea, was found to lower cholesterol and guard against a disease that causes more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK.

Researchers said the fragrant Mediterranean fruit, which gives Earl Grey its unique flavour, contains enzymes known as HMGF (hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonones), which can attack proteins in the body known to contribute to cardiovascular disease.

And bergamot could even be as effective as statins, the group of medicines used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

The study, carried out by scientists at Italy's University of Calabria, used concentrations of HMGF on the proteins which cause heart disease.

Writing in the Journal of Functional Foods, they said that a dietary supplement of HMGF could be just as effective as statins in combating low-density proteins (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.

Additionally, HMGF was also found to increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or “good” cholesterol.

The journal’s report said: ““High cholesterol is a common health concern for us all and often statins are given to help treat the condition.

“Extract from bergamot – most commonly used in Earl Grey tea – reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels but there was an increase in HDL levels [good cholesterol].

“Therefore a daily supplement of bergamot fruit extract could be very effective for the treatment of high cholesterol.”

The citrus fruit has long been known as a “superfood”, which can protect against cardiovascular disease.

In 2012, research led by the University Magna Graecia in southern Italy and published in the International Journal of Cardiology, reported similar findings about the cholesterol-reducing effects of bergamot.

Extracts from the fruit have also traditionally been used to treat wounds, inflammation and as an antiseptic.