Bergamot is a yellow citrus fruit native to the southern region of Italy. The fruit contains many natural substances that may be beneficial for health. While more research is necessary, some evidence suggests bergamot can help lower cholesterol.
One citrus fruit in particular that has gained attention for improving health outcomes is the bergamot (Citrus bergamia) [1]. This fruit is primarily found in Southern Italy in the area known as Calabria with attributes that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol reducing functions [2, 3].
One study published in 2013 showed that cholesterol dropped significantly among 77 patients who took 1,000 mg of bergamot extract daily for one month, enabling them to cut their statin dose in half.
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.
A: Bergamot is a citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) native to southern Italy. Over the past decade or so, scientists have published numerous studies indicating that polyphenol-rich bergamot extract can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels (Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2020).
Bergamot flavonoids were found to stimulate lipid metabolism and prevent accumulation of pathogenic fat in the liver by promoting its elimination through autophagy. Researchers also found that BPF prevented inflammatory changes in the liver, suggesting a slowed progression of NASH.
Dosing. Bergamot essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, alone or with other essential oils. 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.
The flesh tastes the same way it smells: tart, acidic, highly fragrant, and spicy. But unlike other citrus fruits, it cannot be eaten fresh. Bergamot oranges are sour, despite the fact that the fruit is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, and A.
The recommended dose to reap the benefits of bergamot's cardioprotective and other benefits is 500-1000 mg of standardized bergamot in tablet form once or twice each day before meals. The best results have been reported by people who took the supplement twice each day for 90 days.
Bergamottin interferes with the metabolism of amphetamines through a related enzyme (CYP2D6) as well. Bergamottin affects fewer medications by preventing their pumping into the blood; these medications, such as fexofenadine, are less effective when taken with bergamottin-containing products.
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.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
When used in aromatherapy, bergamot oil has been found to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, key hormones that regulate mood. Inhaling bergamot oil can stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine), which helps regulate mood.
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 citrus essential oils – grapefruit, lemon and bergamot - as well as fennel, cinnamon, peppermint and ginger, are all known to be effective appetite suppressants to help naturally promote weight loss.
Conclusions: This specific nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot and wild cardoon reduced the liver fat content during 12 weeks in individuals with liver steatosis over 50 years. If confirmed, this nutraceutical could become the cornerstone treatment of patients affected by liver steatosis.
The distinctive flavor of Earl Grey comes from bergamot oil. Bergamot is a kind of orange, and Twinings recently jazzed up the 180-year-old recipe with some extra citrus flavor.
Research has shown that Earl Grey Tea works to improve cholesterol and blood pressure. A study in Preventative Medicine showed that enjoying three cups of Earl Grey a day encourages the production of HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol, and triglycerides in your body.
Earl Grey tea is one of the best-known tea blends on the market. Traditionally, it's a simple blend of black tea and oil of bergamot. Other tea bases are also used, including green tea, oolong, and rooibos. Bergamot oil is derived from the rind of a fruit called the bergamot orange, commonly grown in Italy.
Compounds in bergamot and black tea may act as antioxidants, promote healthy digestion, and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
With that said, you should not exceed a dose of 1000mg per day. It can take some time for the effects of citrus bergamot to build up in your system. Therefore, it is advised to take citrus bergamot for longer periods, at least two to three months.