Bergamot for Cholesterol: Does It Really Work?

Author's Bio: Katie Bailey, MS, RD, LD, FNC

Hi everyone. Welcome back to our channel.

High Cholesterol continues to be a major health concern for millions of people worldwide. While statins and other medications are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol, many individuals are seeking more natural alternatives. One such alternative that is gaining popularity is Bergamot.

But the question is, does it really work?

So in today's video, I'll be discussing what is bergamot and what is it typically used for?

What is the science behind bergamot and cholesterol?

Who might benefit from using bergamot?

Are there any side effects or precautions to be aware of?

And lastly, does it really work?

I'm Katie Bailey. I'm a registered dietitian at Flusso Nutrients where we provide supplement education and professional quality supplement options for you to make the world of nutrition supplements a little bit easier to navigate. As always, be sure to check with your main nutrition literate healthcare provider before starting anything new. As we can't know your full medical history to provide a personalized recommendation.

So without further ado, let's jump into today's topic.

[Video Transcript Below + Supplement Links Discussed In Video]

What is bergamot and how is it typically used?

So bergamot is a small citrus fruit that is native to southern Italy. It's a hybrid between an orange and a lemon. It's typically about the same size as an orange, but in color, more resembles a lemon or a lime. Bergamot contains polyphenols as well as flavonoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory antioxidant and also cholesterol lowering effects. It's commonly known for flavoring Earl Gray Tea, and its essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics, as well as aromatherapy. Now, more recent research is shifted its focus to more of the internal benefits of bergamot, particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic support.

So what is the science behind bergamot and cholesterol?

So the connection between bergamot and cholesterol lies in its ability to modulate cholesterol synthesis and absorption, improve lipid profiles, as well as reduce inflammation. These effects are attributed to the high content of polyphenols and flavonoids.

Now, the first thing that it's been shown to do is to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. There are key compounds in bergamot that have the ability to downregulate the expression of the main enzyme that is needed in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Now, this same enzyme is also targeted by many statin drugs.

The next thing that bergamot can do is it reduces cholesterol absorption. So the flavonoids that are found in bergamot reduce cholesterol uptake in the intestinal wall by decreasing the level of a specific protein that is critical to the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Now, studies have shown that supplementation with bergamot has the ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides. And there are even some studies that show that it can help to increase your HDL levels as well as improve markers of metabolic health like blood glucose.

Now, it's important to note that the supplementation here is a supplement from bergamot extract and not bergamot essential oil, which is a different thing. Bergamot has also been shown in the activation of metabolic pathways. So the flavonoids that are found in bergamot help to activate a MP activated protein kinase, which is a regulator of cellular energy and lipid metabolism. This leads to increased fatty acid oxidation as well as reduced synthesis of VLDL levels. It's also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. So the polyphenols help to inhibit inflammatory pathways which are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Alright, so who might benefit from using bergamot bergamot extract may be beneficial for those with mild to moderate elevated cholesterol that want to have a more natural approach. Some individuals do not tolerate statins or they have severe side effects from using statins. So this could be an alternative for those individuals.

And then lastly, bergamot may be beneficial for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome by helping to prevent cholesterol from getting out of hand in the first place.

Are there any side effects or precautions to be aware of?

So generally, bergamot extract is considered safe when taken at a recommended dose. Mild side effects may include GI upset, heartburn, dizziness, or muscle cramps. It's not recommended for children or women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. And if you're taking diabetic medication or cholesterol lowering medication, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider because bergamot has been shown to affect lipid levels as well as glucose levels.

So the real question is, does it really work?

The current evidence suggests that bergamot can lower total cholesterol LDL cholesterol triglycerides while increasing HDL levels and individuals with mild to moderate elevated lipid levels. The effects are going to be less dramatic than a statin drug, but it may offer an alternative for those that are either intolerant to statins or just want to take a more natural approach.

More long-term and robust studies are needed to support bergamot for cholesterol management. But the current studies are promising there's minimal risk in incorporating bergamot when you follow recommended dosages, and therefore may be a great option for some individuals. But as always, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.

To wrap up our topic for today,

Bergamot has been shown to have positive effects on cholesterol management by modulating cholesterol synthesis absorption, improving lipid levels and reducing inflammation. Bergamot may be a great option for those individuals that really do not tolerate statins or are just looking for a more natural approach. If you're interested in trying bergamot, I'll have a quality option linked below.

That's it for today's video. If you liked this video, please hit the like button and subscribe for more nutrition videos. Let us know in the comments your experience with bergamot or if you've ever used it before. Any of you have any questions. If you're interested in working with our clinic, you can click the link here to schedule an initial appointment. We do take insurance and you can find more information about that on our website.

Thank you for watching. I'll see you next time. Bye.

Check out the high-quality supplements we discussed in this video - links below for your convenience!

1) Bergamot BPF by Ortho Molecular Products: create an account here, then search the name "Bergamot BPF by Ortho Molecular Products" - https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/flussonutrients

2) ALL PROFESSIONAL QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS: https://flussonutrients.nutridyn.com & https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/flussonutrients