Unlocking the Power of Citrus Bergamot for Cholesterol: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects
By Dr. Kevin Passero
Despite years of focus by the medical profession, cardiovascular issues continue to be the #1 killer in America. Often silent and left untreated for too long, these concerns still claim the lives of nearly 700,000 people every year.
Cholesterol is a common focus and, in my practice, perhaps the top question I’m asked by patients is “are there natural approaches to effectively lowering cholesterol levels?”
In fact, there are two highly effective natural supplements based on the scientific research and results achieved with my patients: citrus bergamot and red yeast rice.
I did a deep dive into red yeast rice in a previously article, so today, we’re going to explore the many extraordinary benefits of citrus bergamot and what to look for in a citrus bergamot supplement.
Citrus Bergamot at a Glance
• Primary Component: Flavonoids (brutieridin, melitidin,neoeriocitrin, naringin, neohesperidin).
• Mechanism of Action: Upregulate AMPK activity and reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol.
• Cholesterol Impact: Lowers LDL, increases HDL.
• Additional Benefits: Antioxidant, lowers blood sugar.
• Side Effects: Very mild, mostly related to GI tract.
• Best For: Those seeking to lower cholesterol naturally.
What is Citrus Bergamot?
Citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a unique citrus fruit primarily grown in the Calabria region of southern Italy. It's known for its refreshing and aromatic essential oil used in perfumes and teas, as well as its impressive health benefits. In recent years, scientific research has uncovered much about the potential health-boosting properties of citrus bergamot, particularly in managing cholesterol levels.
Does Citrus Bergamot Effectively Lower Cholesterol?
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that citrus bergamot extract can significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
In one study, researchers explored the effects of taking citrus bergamot daily on cholesterol levels in 237 hyperlipidemic patients. The research group found that bergamot successfully:
• Decreased total cholesterol by 29%
• Decreased LDL by 38%
• Decreased triglycerides by 41%
• Increased HDL by 42%
In another study, subjects were given 650 mg of BPF (a concentrate of the most active polyphenols in bergamot) twice a day for 120 days. What researchers observed was remarkable.
This unique polyphenolic concentrate from bergamot was found to
• Decrease intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) by 51%
• Decrease small LDL by 35%
How Does Citrus Bergamot Work?
Citrus bergamot contains a variety of polyphenolic compounds that are believed to be responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Originally, research believed that bergamot worked in a similar fashion to traditional cholesterol lowering therapies by directly blocking the enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol called HMG-CoA.
More recently, researchers have discovered that bergamot exerts its beneficial effect on cholesterol through a variety of mechanisms making it a versatile tool and one that works by itself or in conjunction with other traditional and natural therapies for supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
The latest research around bergamots’ amazing ability to regulate cholesterol focuses on the activation of something called AMPK. AMPK helps to regulate energy in the body and when upregulated by the polyphenols in bergamot, it slows down cellular cholesterol production and improves blood sugar balance.
The other powerful mechanism researchers have identified is the ability of a unique bergamot polyphenol, called bruteridine, to inhibit the ability of cholesterol to be absorbed by intestinal cells. Decreasing intestinal absorption of cholesterol is a powerful and proven way to safely and effectively lower blood cholesterol levels.
These unique and wide-ranging mechanisms of action make citrus bergamot a compelling option for those looking to manage their cholesterol levels naturally.
The Health Benefits of Citrus Bergamot
Citrus bergamot offers a host of other health benefits, largely due to its rich concentration of clinically validated polyphenols. Here are a few of the top researched benefits.
3 Citrus Bergamot Benefits
1. Cholesterol Management: As we have reviewed, studies have shown citrus bergamot to be incredibly beneficial for effectively managing cholesterol levels.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, citrus bergamot helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation. It has particular benefits for protecting our LDL cholesterol molecules from becoming oxidized, a dangerous state that contributes to the unhealthy aging of arteries.
3. Blood Sugar Support: Research suggests that citrus bergamot may also help regulate blood sugar levels through its unique ability to regulate AMPK activity, making it beneficial for those with blood sugar issues.
Citrus Bergamot Supplement: How to Choose the Right One
When selecting a citrus bergamot supplement, it's essential to consider the quality and concentration of the extract. Look for supplements standardized to contain a high percentage of polyphenolic compounds, as these are the active ingredients responsible for the health benefits.
I always suggest selecting a citrus bergamot supplement that uses the patented Bergamonte® ingredient in its formula. Bergamonte® is standardized to contain a potent 38% polyphenols, the key components that help balance cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. It is also backed by human clinical trials showing multiple health benefits. Citrus bergamot supplements that use generic bergamot are less likely to contain the research-based potency of polyphenols and are not backed by clinical trials.
Furthermore, you may get additional benefits from a citrus bergamot supplement if it includes synergistic nutrients that enhance bioavailability and complement the cardiovascular benefits. Vitamin C and olive leaf extract are two extracts that work to enhance and optimize the clinically backed benefits of bergamot.
Recommended Dosage for Citrus Bergamot
Dosage recommendations for citrus bergamot can vary, but most healthcare providers agree that 500 mg - 1,000 mg per day is the ideal range. Both are safe.
That said, clinical studies have demonstrated that taking 1,000 mg per day is significantly more effective than a 500 mg dose. For this reason, and other supporting factors, I recommend the full clinical dose of 1,000 mg per day.
To make it convenient for my patients to get a supplement which meets all of these criteria, I created Durable HEART® which features 1,000 mg of patented Bergamonte® citrus bergamot. This formula is enhanced with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps your body more efficiently utilize the cholesterol-balancing properties of citrus bergamot along with olive leaf extract to support healthy overall cardiovascular function with a powerful inflammation-fighting polyphenol called oleuropein.
To learn more about Durable HEART®, click here.
Embracing the Power of Citrus Bergamot
High cholesterol is a common concern for many Americans, often leading to serious cardiovascular problems if not managed early and properly.
If you’re looking to naturally support healthy cholesterol, incorporating citrus bergamot into your daily routine could be a game-changer for your health, especially if you're concerned about your cardiovascular health.
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Citrus Bergamot FAQs
Q: What is citrus bergamot good for?
A: Citrus Bergamot has a variety of uses in different fields, including culinary, medicinal and industrial applications. Here are some of the main medicinal uses:
• Cholesterol Support: Citrus bergamot polyphenols have been shown to effectively help support cholesterol levels, reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.
• Antioxidant Properties: Citrus bergamot contains uniquely high levels of polyphenols, which are known to have powerful antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help combat the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with certain cardiovascular concerns.
• Blood Sugar Balancing: Research suggests that citrus bergamot may help balance blood sugar levels through its unique ability to regulate AMPK activity, making it beneficial for those with high blood sugar.
Q: How long does it take for citrus bergamot to lower cholesterol?
A: In many clinical studies, the time it takes for citrus bergamot to lower cholesterol varied depending on the dosage, form of the supplement, individual health conditions and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that a 1,000 daily serving of patented Bergamonte® citrus bergamot can have a significant impact on cholesterol levels in 30 days.
Q: Does citrus bergamot have any side effects?
A: While it has very few, there are a few potential side effects to consider:
• Photosensitivity: Typically, this is only of concern when bergamot oil is applied topically, as bergamot essential oil contains compounds like bergapten, which can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can lead to photosensitivity reactions, including severe sunburn or skin irritation when exposed to sunlight after topical application.
• Digestive Discomfort: Some people may experience digestive discomfort when taking bergamot supplements If this is a concern, it may be beneficial to start with a half dose to make sure you adjust.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur – especially if you are sensitive to citrus fruit. Symptoms might include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or difficulty breathing.
