Heart health is key for long-term health.
Research shows that many other diseases may arise from cardiovascular issues. It’s thought that elevated cholesterol numbers are one of the main causes of heart disease.
Using natural herbs for lowering cholesterol levels may reduce the risk of heart disease.
This article summarizes the latest scientific research on the best herbs for lowering cholesterol.
Table of Contents
The Best Herbs for Cholesterol & Heart Health
Below are the best research-backed herbs for lowering cholesterol.
These heart-supporting herbs have been known to be therapeutic for the cardiovascular system in a number of different ways.
1. Citrus Bergamot
Research has discovered that citrus bergamot is one of the best herbs to lower cholesterol quickly.
It’s thought that citrus bergamot works similarly to a stain drug by inhibiting HMG-CoA, a key precursor for cholesterol synthesis.
Essentially, citrus bergamot works to reduce the amount of cholesterol that your body makes. In simple terms, citrus bergamot appears to have the ability to “throttle down” your body’s cholesterol production.
This is backed up by research.
In a clinical trial involving 237 subjects, researchers found that 500mg or 1,000mg of citrus bergamot per day had a significant impact on total cholesterol biomarkers. Over 3 months, total cholesterol was reduced by 20% (500mg of bergamot) and 30.9% (1,000mg of bergamot). LDL was reduced by 23% (500mg of bergamot) and by 38.6% (1,000mg of bergamot), while HDL was increased by 25.9% (500mg of bergamot) and by 39% (1,000mg of bergamot).
A comparison trial observing 77 participants with elevated LDL and triglycerides found that 500mg of bergamot extract was able to reduce total LDL cholesterol over the course of a month. The results were comparable to the effect that rosuvastatin (a statin drug) had on subjects. Researchers noted that it was safe for both bergamot extract and rosuvastatin to be taken together over the course of 30 days.
In a small clinical trial,11 subjects were observed while taking a blend of bergamot along with 8 other fruits. Participants took 2 capsules daily (500mg of bergamot fruit extract and 220mg phytochemical complex blend) for 3 months. This protocol resulted in a 7.3% total cholesterol reduction and a 10% reduction in LDL cholesterol.
Another clinical trial found that bergamot was effective for decreasing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in participants with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Subjects received a 150mg citrus bergamot supplement daily for 6 months containing the flavonoids neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, and naringin.
In another study that lasted for 30 days, bergamot polyphenol extract and bergamot polyphenol extract phytosomal formulation were both observed to decrease total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. It increased HDL cholesterol as well. There were no changes in the placebo group.
You can also read out helpful supplement guide on the best citrus bergamot supplements.
Summary:
Research shows that citrus bergamot is beneficial in improving heart health due to its cholesterol-lowering abilities.
2. Berberine
Berberine is a natural phytochemical that’s found in a variety of different herbs, including Goldenseal, Indian Barberry, and Chinese Goldthread.
Berberine is one of the best natural herbs to lower cholesterol.
Berberine lowers cholesterol by a different mechanism than that of statins and other herbs. It’s thought that berberine can increase the number of LDL receptors in the liver, which may help increase the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the body.
In a meta-analysis of six clinical studies, 229 patients with high cholesterol who took between 900-1,500mg of berberine daily saw around a 25% reduction in cholesterol levels from baseline.
Additionally, A clinical trial involving individuals with high cholesterol numbers found that taking 500mg of berberine two to three times daily helped to reduce cholesterol numbers. The researchers found that total cholesterol levels were lowered by 29%.
Summary:
Research indicates that berberine may be a beneficial natural supplement for lowering cholesterol levels.
Best Supplement for Cholesterol:
A variety of different herbs have the ability to lower cholesterol levels. This begs the question, what is the best herbal supplement for lowering cholesterol?
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