Reducing Cholesterol Several studies have shown that bergamot may help to reduce overall cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. It may also help to increase “good” HDL cholesterol and has the potential to be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs.
The results are shown below, but patients who received 500 or 1,000 mg of BPF (bergamot polyphenol fraction, essentially refined bergamot oil) for 30 consecutive days saw a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and blood glucose coupled with a significant increase in HDL levels.
In humans, bergamot-derived extract (BE) exerts positive effects on hyperlipidemia with an oral dose from 150 mg to 1000 mg/day of flavonoids administered from 30 to 180 days, demonstrating an effect on body weight and in modulating total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL.
The conclusion to these studies is that Bergamot BPF lowers total cholesterol and LDL and increases HDL the same as a statin but lowers triglycerides substantially more than a statin while eliminating many of the side effects cause statin medications.
The suggested dose of bergamot is 500–1,000 mg of a standardized extract, taken once or twice a day 20–30 minutes before meals. For maximum benefits, take bergamot twice a day for 60–90 days, reevaluate your lipid levels, and adjust your dose accordingly. Bergamot is safe and well tolerated.
Health Risks of Bergamot
Some people experience side effects like dizziness, muscle cramps, and heartburn when they take bergamot with food. Blood sugar issues. Bergamot may cause your blood sugar to drop. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar might reach unsafe levels.
What are the benefits of bergamot supplements? Supplementing with bergamot may help reduce inflammation, lower blood glucose, and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Citrus fruits such as bergamot are rich in flavonoids, which promote immune response and heart health.
Bergamot improves arterial health
These are potent antioxidants which protect the tissues and blood vessels throughout the body by blocking free radical damage and inhibiting the formation of arterial plaque.
Bergamot extract has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 1000 mg by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
When used as a supplement for supporting healthy cholesterol, 1000 mg of Bergamont Extract should be taken per day until cholesterol reaches healthy levels. After this, a 500 mg maintenance dose is recommended and can be taken indefinitely.
Studies have found that supplementing with bergamot supplements can significantly improve body composition and weight loss. In one study involving 59 people over four weeks, those who took the bergamot supplement experienced significantly greater reductions in body fat than those taking a placebo.
Recommended Dosage: When used as a supplement for supporting healthy cholesterol, 1000 mg of Bergamont Extract should be taken per day until cholesterol reaches healthy levels. After this, a 500 mg maintenance dose is recommended and can be taken indefinitely.
Bergamot flavonoids were found to stimulate lipid metabolism and prevent accumulation of pathogenic fat in the liver by promoting its elimination through autophagy.
Biochemical data also reported that histological preparations of the kidney suggests that bergamot juice prevented the development of renal damage from hypercholesterolemia.
It is advised to take citrus bergamot roughly half an hour before your first meal. The second dose should be taken about half an hour before your next meal.
Suggested Use
Adults take 1 capsule 1-2 times a day prior to a meal or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional.
How It Promotes Sleep: Bergamot can be useful in preparing your body for sleep, as it slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Unlike many other citrus oils that are said to be energizing, bergamot is calming, can reduce stress and anxiety, and possesses sedative qualities.
Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries pack a big punch when it comes to arterial health. These deeply hued fruits are chock-full of polyphenol compounds such as quercetin and anthocyanins, which exert powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Powerful antioxidants in green tea — especially one called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG — can help prevent atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in the arteries.
High in flavonoids it makes a very good relaxant as well. Able to soothe nerves and reduce nervous tension, which in terms can help reduce stress-induced sleeplessness.
Bergamot essential oil is rich in fatty acids that can condition and tame frizzy hair. It helps smooth hair cuticles and detangles strands. Because this powerhouse oil is also rich in antioxidants, it also helps protect the hair from the effects of oxidative stress.