Could this citrus help your cholesterol?

Most people don’t think much about cholesterol until a blood test shows something has shifted. Maybe LDL has crept up, triglycerides are high or the “good” HDL has moved in the wrong direction.

Cholesterol itself is not the enemy. Your body uses it for hormones, vitamin D and cell membranes. The concern is whether LDL, HDL and triglycerides are staying in a healthy balance.

When numbers climb, statin medications are often the first option discussed. They can be effective, but unwanted side effects lead some people to look for a more natural option. That’s where bergamot comes in.

Bergamot is a citrus fruit grown exclusively in Calabria, Italy. It contains unique antioxidant polyphenols that studies suggest can support cholesterol metabolism by influencing production in the liver, limiting intestinal absorption and supporting natural clearance.

Even better, bergamot may also support triglyceride metabolism, insulin sensitivity and blood vessel function. It also helps protect against LDL oxidation, an important part of cardiovascular health.

Unlike a supplement for energy, bergamot is not something you typically feel working. The results show up in the numbers. Some studies have found changes in as little as 30 days, though 8-12 weeks is probably a more realistic expectation.

One option we recently added is Vital Choice Bergamot, featuring the patented Bergamonte extract. Each 500 mg capsule is standardized to 38% polyphenols, providing 190 mg of the compounds associated with bergamot’s benefits, quite a bit higher than other available products.

If healthy cholesterol is on your radar, bergamot is worth learning more about.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com for more information.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.