A new study has revealed that drinking Earl Grey tea could help tackle heart disease .

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

The study revealed that 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.

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.

The study was published in the Journal of Functional Foods.

BDST: 1859 HRS, SEP-04, 2014