Lower Cholesterol Naturally with Policosanol
It is estimated that 52% of total population have borderline
high cholesterol levels (200 to 239 mg/dL) and about 21% have
dangerously high levels of 240 or above. High levels of
cholesterol are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad cholesterol", carries
cholesterol in the blood and is associated with a greater risk
of heart attacks and strokes.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good cholesterol",
transports cholesterol to the liver where is is eliminated from
the body. Higher levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with
lower cardiovascular risk.
Policosanol Lowers Cholesterol and LDL and Raises HDL
Policosanol is a natural supplement made from sugar cane. A
review article published in the American Heart Journal reported
that: "At doses of 10 to 20 mg per day,
policosanol lowers total cholesterol by 17% to 21%,
policosanol lowers LDL cholesterol by 21% to 29%, and
policosanol raises HDL cholesterol by 8% to 15%.
Daily doses of 10 mg of policosanol have been shown to be
equally effective in lowering total or LDL cholesterol as the
same dose of simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol). At
dosages of up to 20 mg per day, policosanol is safe and well
tolerated, as studies of over 3 years of therapy indicate." The
authors concluded that policosanol seems to be a very promising
phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such
as the statins and deserves further evaluation. [1]
Policosanol inhibits Oxidization of LDL Cholesterol
Oxidized LDL cholesterol can be found in atherosclerotic
lesions. Oxidized LDL cholesterol creates a chronic inflammatory
response which promotes the destruction of blood vessels. It
accelerates lesion progression by enhancing monocyte adhesion
and macrophage foam cell generation, which induces the lesion to
migrate onto smooth muscle cells. Oxidized LDL cholesterol also
contributes to plaque formation by triggering thrombosis and by
impairing vasodilation of the arteries. All of these factors
contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, thereby
increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Policosanol has
been shown to protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
[2]
References
1. Gouni-Berthold, I. and H.K. Berthold, Policosanol: clinical
pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new
lipid-lowering agent. Am Heart J, 2002. 143(2): p. 356-65.
2. Menendez, R., et al., Inhibition of rat lipoprotein lipid
peroxidation by the oral administration of D003, a mixture of
very long-chain saturated fatty acids. Can J Physiol Pharmacol,
2002. 80(1): p. 13-21.