Does Italian citrus bergamot really lower cholesterol?
Bergamot was observed to decrease total cholesterol from 255 to 224, LDL cholesterol from 159 to 132, and triglycerides from 159 to 133. An increase in HDL was observed with bergamot from 50 to 54. For most people, studies recommend a daily dosage of 500–1000 mg of bergamot to help manage cholesterol. This range is often effective in reducing LDL (“bad cholesterol”) while supporting HDL (“good cholesterol”).The use of bergamot in multiple clinical trials has consistently shown that it is well tolerated in studies ranging from 30 days to 12 weeks.Individuals taking medications metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, such as statins, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants, should avoid bergamot as it can inhibit these enzymes and potentially cause dangerous drug interactions 1.Bergamot studies show promise in lowering LDL 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.Quick summary. In this 4-month randomized controlled trial in 60 adults with high cholesterol, supplementing with bergamot extract decreased LDL-C and systolic blood pressure, but it did not affect HDL-C or triglycerides.
What exactly is Italian bergamot?
The bergamot is a citrus fruit grown mostly in Mediterannean areas. Production is on large scale in the Ionian Sea coastal areas of the province of Reggio di Calabria in Italy, to such an extent that it is a symbol of the entire city. Bergamot is a citrus fruit that primarily grows in southern Italy. 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.Effect of Bergamot Extract on Skeletal Muscle. The results of the few studies found, overall, suggested that bergamot extracts may have positive effects on muscle health and physical performance in humans and animals.While a moderate intake of bergamot tea is safe for most people, excessive intake may lead to muscle cramps, cause caffeine jitters, or reduce iron absorption.
Is citrus bergamot safe for the liver?
Natural Health Solutions says new research confirms the benefits of its BergaMet supplement, a highly concentrated extract of the Calabrian bergamot fruit, has benefits for consumers who show signs of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). But take heart: Not all supplements are created equally — meaning many of the citrus bergamot capsules in the market don’t offer the same benefits as consuming the entire fruit. You want a citrus bergamot supplement that offers much more than a standardized extract.Form: Decide if you want a capsule, tablet, powder, or essential oil preparation of bergamot. Capsules/tablets are best for cholesterol-lowering benefits, while essential oils are used aromatically.As with many nutritional supplements, it can take a little time to build up in your system to start producing results. The clinical research demonstrates health benefits after taking citrus bergamot daily for 30 days.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.Bergamot juice can be taken by both children and the elderly. But despite its important properties there are some contraindications, as increased intake of bergamot juice could alter the gastric mucosa, due to the citric acid content of the citrus fruit.
Is there a difference between bergamot and citrus bergamot?
The scientific name given for bergamot is often Citrus bergamia. While there is no question that the bergamot orange is a citrus fruit, genus Citrus, orange family, Rutaceae, it is also described as a variety of the bitter orange, Citrus aurantia. The best time to take citrus bergamot is with meals to reduce GI discomfort and improve absorption. It is generally recommended not to take it on an empty stomach.Some people may experience mild side effects including dizziness, muscle cramps, and heartburn when taking bergamot with food. Bergamot can also cause blood sugar to drop and topical application can cause increased sun sensitivity (increasing the risk of sunburn for those whose skin is sensitive to sunlight).Furthermore, other studies have demonstrated that the flavonoids found in bergamot have a positive impact on inflammation, decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and potentially increasing the gene expression of anti-inflammatory markers [40].
Does Italian citrus bergamot really work?
May reduce cholesterol levels Several studies have shown that bergamot may help reduce overall cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. It may also help increase “good” HDL cholesterol and has the potential to be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs. Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Bergamot. Bergamot might lower blood sugar levels. Taking bergamot along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.Sun-sensitive individuals: Bergamot can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Those prone to sunburn or photosensitivity should be cautious when using bergamot. Individuals taking certain medications: Bergamot may interact with or enhance certain medications, especially statins used for lowering cholesterol.
Is citrus bergamot better than statins?
While statins can reduce LDL cholesterol by 30-60%, bergamot can reduce LDL by 7. Bergamot is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects and can even be used alongside statins to enhance cholesterol-lowering effects. 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.Based on data, 75% of studies showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDLc. The decrease in total cholesterol varied from 12. LDLc and from 11. Eight trials reported HDLc increase after intervention with bergamot.Furthermore, other studies have demonstrated that the flavonoids found in bergamot have a positive impact on inflammation, decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and potentially increasing the gene expression of anti-inflammatory markers [40].
Does citrus bergamot affect sleep?
Conclusion. Using bergamot essential oil before bedtime helps relax the mind and body and provides sound sleep. It also improves mood and wakefulness when used upon awakening. Using aromatic essential oils is expected to relieve psychological stress and improve sleep quality and morning wakefulness. Lavender oil has a soothing, calming effect Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most popular essential oils to help sleep patterns. Studies have found that it can produce a calming sedative effect that may be able to improve sleep duration and quality.