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Citrus bergamot supplements have become popular in recent years due to their various purported health benefits.
Citrus bergamot is a lime-like fruit from Italy, it’s rich in various polyphenols which are thought to provide a variety of benefits, including lowering cholesterol, promoting blood sugar control, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Nonetheless, further clinical research is needed to understand the implications of bergamot supplements and their safety and efficacy. As with all supplements, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
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Choice
- Contains Bergamonte® & Berberine
- Total Cholesterol Management
- Made in the USA
Herbal Blend
- Multi-Herb Blend
- Contains Bergamonte®
- Supports Heart Health
Budget Option
The Best Citrus Bergamot Supplement Brands:
If you’ve been asking the question, “what’s the best citrus bergamot supplement?” – this helpful article will guide you. We look at the key factors to consider when choosing the best citrus bergamot brand – we also detail which brands to look for and which ones to stay away from.
1. Utzy Naturals
We recommend Berbercol by Utzy Naturals as the best overall citrus bergamot supplement.
Berbercol is a cutting-edge formula that includes both citrus bergamot and berberine in one supplement. This science-based formula may help to lower cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
It contains 500mg of Bergamonte® citrus bergamot extract – the best bergamot for cholesterol. This is the premium form of citrus bergamot that is standardized to contain neoeriecitron, brutieridin, and melitidin – the key polyphenols thought to give bergamot its health-giving benefits.
It also contains 600mg of berberine, a plant compound shown to reduce blood sugar levels and LDL cholesterol levels. This combination may be the perfect duo for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood sugar levels.
This formula comes in standard veggie-based capsules. Packaged in an environmentally friendly glass bottle.
Utzy Naturals is a family-owned company that focuses on creating premium natural supplements. They manufacture their products in the USA, are NSF-certified, and do extensive product testing to ensure purity and safety.
If you’re looking to support your cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels – this science-backed formula is for you. That’s why Berbercol is our editor’s top pick for the best citrus bergamot supplement.
2. Naomi
We recommend Italian Citrus Bergamot by Naomi as the best citrus bergamot herbal blend.
Naomi is a popular citrus bergamot brand, their formula includes citrus bergamot and a blend of other herbs for cardiovascular health.
It contains 500mg of Bergamonte®, the best type of citrus bergamot extract. The resveratrol complex is made from a combination of Japanese knotweed and grape skins. Resveratrol is important for cardiovascular health as it has protective effects against blood vessel damage. This formula also contains olive leaf extract, research shows that olive leaf extract may help to prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from building up in your arteries
Naomi is a newer brand – they are known for putting together innovative formulas. However, they don’t manage their own manufacturing. Additionally, their product testing standards are unknown.
All in all, this formula is a good overall formula for cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, it comes in a plastic bottle. Also, there is no mention of manufacturing certifications or 3rd party testing – both of which are key indicators when looking for a quality supplement brand.
This formula is one of the best bergamot supplement blends available. If you’re looking for added ingredients for whole heart health, then consider this formula by Naomi.
3. Jarrow Formulas
Jarrow Formulas’ Citrus Bergamot is a dietary supplement designed to support cardiovascular health. Their bergamot formula includes 500mg of citrus bergamot extract standardized to contain 30% polyphenols, including neohesperidin, naringin, and melitidin.
For best results, Jarrow Formulas recommends taking this formula alongside their QH-Absorb formula, their high potency Ubiquinol formula.
It should be noted that this formula doesn’t contain the Bergamonte® patented form of citrus bergamot. Bergamonte® is the leading citrus bergamot extract in the marketplace – it’s the form of bergamot that has the most amount of clinical research and is thought to be the best bergamot supplement for lowering cholesterol.
A generic extract, like the one used in this Jarrow formula, is beneficial and helps to keep the price down, but may not be as effective.
This product is certified to be vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. They also note that it’s free of soybeans, dairy, eggs, fish/shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts, and sesame.
Jarrow Formulas is a brand that has been around since 1977. As a brand, they are known for their science-based formulations. Additionally, as a brand, they manufacture according to NSF standards, the leading, most rigorous certification body for dietary supplement manufacturing.
This formula is science-based with a potent 500mg serving size per capsule. It’s also highly tested for allergens – which makes it a great formula for individuals with various food allergies. The use of a generic bergamot extract helps to keep the price down for this formula, which is why it’s our budget-friendly option.
4. Eleva Nutrition
We recommend Citrus Bergamot Extract by Eleva Nutrition as the option with the most concentrated dose.
Eleva Nutrition’s formula is made with a high potency 25:1 citrus bergamot extract. It’s made from polyphenol-rich bergamot oranges grown in Europe.
This supplement offers higher levels of polyphenols, up to 50% per serving. Most other formulas contain 30% polyphenols.
The serving size for this formula is 2 capsules daily, this gives you 1,000mg of citrus bergamot extract. This is a high dose of citrus bergamot, but seeing as it’s a generic extract, higher levels may be needed.
The product also features a black pepper extract, which is thought to improve nutrient absorption by aiding the digestive system (though clinical research has not proven this effect).
Eleva Nutrition is a small business that sells supplements primarily through Amazon. They don’t note any manufacturing certifications or testing protocols on their website or label, which is a red flag when it comes to looking for a trustworthy citrus bergamot brand.
This formula is interesting due to its high polyphenol content, though more info is needed to verify how this product is manufactured and tested.
5. NutriFlair
We recommend Organic Citrus Bergamot by Nutriflair as the best option with a high dosage formula.
NutriFlair Citrus Bergamot is a dietary supplement crafted to promote optimal cholesterol levels and enhance overall heart health. This supplement harnesses the power of nutrient-rich bergamot orange extract, boasting an astounding potency that is 25 times greater than that of standard citrus bergamot.
2 capsules contain 1,200mg of citrus bergamot extract to help you maintain healthy levels of LDL, and triglycerides, and boost good HDL cholesterol levels.
Is free from fillers, soy, preservatives, and binders. This supplement is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.
Similar to Eleva Nutrition, NutriFlair is a small business that sells dietary supplements primarily through the Amazon channel. They don’t list any manufacturing certifications or testing protocols on their website or label, which is a red flag when it comes to looking for a trustworthy supplement brand.
What is Citrus Bergamot Extract?
Citrus Bergamot fruit, also known as bergamot orange, is a citrus fruit that grows in the southern Italian region of Calabria. It is a small-sized fruit, similar in appearance to a small orange, but with a unique color that can range from yellow to green, depending on its level of ripeness. Bergamot Citrus fruit is believed to be a natural hybrid between lemons (Citrus limon) and bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium).
The distinctive feature of the Citrus Bergamot fruit lies in its peel, which is the source of its highly valued essential oil. The essential oil extracted from the fruit’s peel is widely known for its pleasant and aromatic fragrance, which is frequently used to flavor Earl Grey tea. Moreover, the oil finds extensive application in the production of perfumes, cosmetics, and various food products.
In addition to its aromatic properties, Citrus Bergamot has been utilized in traditional Italian medicine for its potential benefits. The fruit’s properties have been historically employed to address various health issues, including fever, sore throat, skin and mouth infections, as well as respiratory and urinary tract infections.
New research shows that bergamot contains beneficial flavonoids, including:
- Neoeriocitrin
- Naringin
- Neohesperidin
- Ponceritin
- Melitidin
- Mitrocin
- Brutieridin
Overall, Citrus Bergamot is a unique and versatile fruit that holds both cultural and practical significance.
Potential Health Benefits of Citrus Bergamot:
Below are the top researched-backed health benefits of citrus bergamot.
1. May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Citrus bergamot has shown significant potential in lowering cholesterol levels, making it a vital herb for cholesterol health. Various studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol in individuals with hyperlipidemia. The results suggest that bergamot extract can be a safe and beneficial addition to healthy cholesterol management strategies.
2. May Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Citrus bergamot has shown promise in balancing blood sugar levels, with clinical trials demonstrating significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose levels and improved glycemic profiles. The active component, naringin, found in bergamot orange, is believed to enhance glucose sensitivity and tolerance, making it a potential natural remedy for managing blood sugar levels.
3. Antioxidant Properties
Bergamot fruit is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, containing flavonoids like flavone and flavanone glycosides. Studies have demonstrated its ability to counteract chemical-induced cell death (apoptosis) and protect against oxidative damage, potentially offering benefits in combatting age-related diseases caused by excessive free radicals and oxidative stress.
4. May Reduce Inflammation
Citrus bergamot fruit exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, as shown in lab-based and cell studies. Its flavonoid content can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, leading to decreased inflammation. Additionally, bergamot peel extracts and bergamot oil have been found to effectively reduce inflammation in different experimental settings.
5. Antimicrobial Properties
Citrus bergamot exhibits significant antimicrobial properties, as demonstrated in multiple lab-based studies. Its essential oil has been found effective against various bacteria, including:
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Escherichia coli
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Bacillus cereus
- Staphylococcus aureus
Additionally, bergamot oil shows promise in combating various clinically relevant Candida species, making it a potentially valuable natural defense against infectious diseases.
It is important to note that additional human clinical research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of citrus bergamot and to determine appropriate doses and usage.
Click here for a complete overview of Citrus Bergamot dosages.
Side Effects of Citrus Bergamot:
Bergamot fruit is generally safe to consume for most people. However, there are a few potential side effects of citrus bergamot.
- May Cause Light Sensitivity: Using bergamot essential oil on your skin may increase sensitivity to the sun and increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
- May Cause Allergic Reactions: Bergamot essential oil or products containing bergamot extract may cause skin irritation, itching, or redness in certain individuals.
- May Have Drug Interactions: Citrus bergamot may interact with various medications, including statins and other drugs used to lower cholesterol levels, as well as anticoagulants.
- Research Limitations: There is a limited amount of research on the long-term effects of bergamot, more studies are needed to determine its safety and potential side effects.
Before using any products containing bergamot, it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Click here for a full safety review of Citrus Bergamot.
FAQs
What does Citrus Bergamot do?
Citrus bergamot is a fruit from Italy that’s rich in various polyphenol compounds. It’s been shown to support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
How long does it take for Citrus Bergamot to lower cholesterol?
The timeframe for citrus bergamot to lower cholesterol levels can vary based on individual health, diet, and lifestyle factors, as well as the type and dosage of the supplement. Based on the latest evidence, citrus bergamot seems to significantly reduce cholesterol within four weeks, but more pronounced effects may occur with a longer supplementation of three to six months. Most studies used 500mg to 1,000mg of citrus bergamot extract, and this appears to be a highly effective dosage. It is important to note that individual results may vary when supplementing with citrus bergamot.
Where to buy Citrus Bergamot?
You can find Citrus bergamot products like essential oil, supplements, and teas at natural food stores, health food stores, online retailers like Amazon, and at specialty shops. It’s important to choose high-quality products from trusted sources and carefully read the label for proper usage and check for any interactions with medications or health conditions.
What is the best way to take Bergamot for cholesterol?
The best way to take bergamot for cholesterol is by taking a citrus bergamot extract supplement. This ensures that you get beneficial amounts of the polyphenols found in citrus bergamot.
Can you take Citrus Bergamot every day?
For best results, it is recommended to take a daily dose of 500 to 1000 milligrams of Citrus Bergamot. A good starting point is 500 milligrams and gradually increasing the dose to 1000 milligrams if necessary.
How much Citrus Bergamot should you take?
The suggested citrus bergamot daily dose ranges from 500 to 1000 milligrams a day. Start with 500 milligrams and gradually up your intake to 1000 milligrams as needed.
When should you take Citrus Bergamot?
Citrus bergamot can be taken at any time of the day. It’s often best when taken with meals as it can be easier for your system to digest. With that said, it may be beneficial to take citrus bergamot in the morning in order to reap the benefits of it throughout the day. Moreover, taking it right away in the morning may help one to build a habit and be more consistent.
Citrus Bergamot vs. Other Herbs:
Citrus Bergamot is often compared with many other different types of herbs. We have put together a few helpful articles going over common comparisons.
• Citrus Bergamot vs. Berberine: Similarities & Differences Explained
• Citrus Bergamot vs. Bitter Orange: Similarities & Differences Explained
• Citrus Bergamot vs. Red Yeast Rice: Similarities & Differences Explained
• Citrus Bergamot vs. Statins: Similarities & Differences Explained
Conclusion:
Citrus Bergamot supplements have a variety of potential benefits, but it is important to choose a high-quality product to ensure maximum benefits and safety.
We hope this comparison of bergamot supplements is helpful in your decision-making process.
The dietary supplements mentioned above are some of the best options available on the market.