Bergamot is a fragrant Mediterranean fruit that is the key ingredient in Earl Grey teas. This citrus fruit has a long history as a ‘superfood,’ traditionally it has been used as an antiseptic and anti-inflamitory, but now it has a new role to play in the health arena…
The extract from bergamot has now been found to guard against heart attacks and other heath risks by lowering cholesterol levels. Researchers have found that bergamot contains enzymes known as hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonones, or for short HMGF, which have been found to attack proteins in the body that are known to contribute to cardiovascular disease. Doctors often prescribed statins to lower cholesterol in the blood, thus prevent heart disease; with this new data coming out on bergamot and its health benefits, bergamot and foods that contain bergamot could be as effective as statins in preventing heart disease.
In a study carried out at Italy’s University of Calabria, scientists experimented with high concentrations of HMGF on heart disease causing proteins. They wrote their findings in the Journal of Functional Foods, stating that dietary supplements of HGMF “…could be just as effective as statins…” (The Independent) when combine with ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoproteins). In addition, HGMF is being found to increase the levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL, or high-density lipoproteins).
High cholesterol is one of the most prevalent health concerns for people today, and with this new information we can deduce that “…a daily supplement of bergamot fruit extract could be very effective for the treatment of high cholesterol.” (The Independent) These findings for bergamot and its cholesterol lowering benefits are backed up and supported by a separate research project headed by a southern Italy university called the University Magna Graecia, who published their findings in the International Journal of Cardiology.
Want to read more on Earl Grey teas? CLICK HERE to get to our previous blog on Earl Grey tea!
CLICK HEREto check out our bergamot flavored tea selection at Sereni-tea!
References:
The Independent
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