Bergamot is becoming increasingly popular due to its wide range of health-promoting properties. Extracts from Citrus bergamia are best known for their beneficial effect on cholesterol.
Bergamot – a reminder of its properties
Although it undeniably has a beneficial effect on lipid and sugar metabolism as well as on antioxidant mechanisms, it is the topic of lowering cholesterol that is raised most often. Let us begin, however, with a brief introduction, so we know what is behind its success.
Initially, bergamot was used in cooking, although it turned out to have much more to offer. Due to its content of beneficial compounds, it proved to be quite a discovery in phytotherapy – it began to be used for health-promoting purposes and in the cosmetics industry.
The main ingredients of the plant include:
- vitamin A,
- vitamin C,
- essential oil containing geraniol, carvacrol, thymol,
- minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium,
- flavonoids (e.g. apigenin, quercetin, rutin),
- phenolic acids (e.g. chlorogenic acid),
- saponins,
- tannins.
It has been used for various ailments and problems – from improving well-being and mental comfort, through back pain, improving sleep quality, supporting the liver or accelerating wound healing, to a positive effect on the circulatory system. However, its ability to lower cholesterol levels has attracted particular interest…
All the more so because, unfortunately, a large proportion of the population in highly developed countries struggles with cholesterol levels that are too high, which has a negative impact on the condition of the whole body. However, one should not go from one extreme to the other… That does not change the fact that there are many people for whom taking specific steps is indicated (depending on the body's condition).
Cholesterol
Nearly 25% of the body's cholesterol pool is found in the brain and is necessary for the proper functioning of some functions, such as the ability to remember. Cholesterol is the basis of hormonal balance and it is from it that the production of hormones important to us begins, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Its optimal level is associated with maintaining balance between minerals and, for example, the production of
vitamin D.
In addition, it contributes to better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). It should also not be forgotten that it is needed for the synthesis of aldosterone, which is so important for water and electrolyte balance.
Another matter is that, despite its beneficial properties, it is a precursor of the catabolic stress hormone – cortisol. The fact remains, however, that both too low and too high a level of cholesterol can be harmful to the functioning of the body – balance is the most important thing. You can see for yourselves that it plays a positive role and, in fact, is essential. Bad and good cholesterol? Well… Actually, it is about maintaining an optimal ratio between cholesterol fractions and the overall level. HDL are high-density lipoproteins, while LDL is characterized by low density. Both fractions act as transporters. Where does LDL's bad reputation come from? It is simple – from taking generalisations for granted, without delving into the details. It would be enough to know that LDL is divided into two groups - native and reactive, formed through oxidative processes. While the first ones mentioned are not a threat to us, the latter may be.
However, it is worth remembering that a much greater threat in the context of cardiovascular diseases is a high level of triglycerides, excessive stimulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and problems with glycation. The latter can lead to an increase in the oxidation threshold of the LDL fraction, which is only then associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Bergamot and cholesterol
Leaving aside the theory of “bad” and “good” cholesterol, the fact is that extracts from this plant have a beneficial effect on the ratio of cholesterol fractions and on its overall level. This is confirmed, for example, by the results published in the International Journal of Cardiology. According to them, taking the extracts allows for more effective control of cholesterol levels. The polyphenols contained in them led to a significant improvement in the ratio between the LDL and HDL fractions. The LDL fraction decreased in 38% of the subjects, while HDL increased in 42%.
Some sources emphasize that maintaining the optimal LDL to HDL ratio also lowers the level of harmful triglycerides. Studies show that doses in the range of 500-1000 mg led to a noticeable decrease in triglycerides and LDL, while HDL increased. Moreover, high cholesterol in patients is often accompanied by a high level of glucose. It was noted, however, that in the group taking bergamot, it also decreased.
If we combine the facts about cholesterol with the ability to lower excessive blood sugar levels, bergamot becomes a valuable ally of the cardiovascular system.
At present, we know that it is mainly carbohydrates and an improper, sugar-rich “diet”, as well as inflammatory states and glycation products, that are the cause of atherosclerotic changes. Therefore, improvement in both glycaemia and the lipid profile is particularly important for the condition of the whole body, and especially for the cardiovascular / circulatory system. In addition, narrowing of the blood vessels and impaired blood flow have a negative impact not only on health or physical functions, but also on brain function.
With bergamot, to take a comprehensive approach to health, it is worth taking:
- vitamin D3 + K2 (while monitoring their levels),
- Omega-3,
- coenzyme Q10.
