If you’re a tea-drinker, then you’ve probably tasted bergamot.
In fact, if you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea, you’re already enjoyed bergamot’s distinctive taste (which is a key ‘citrus’ component used to flavor the tea).
Native to the Mediterranean region, bergamot comes from the Citrus bergamia plant, a fruit tree that’s been a part of the region’s cuisine since the early 18th century.
The plant produces a fruit similar in shape, vibrant color, and ‘sourness’ to a lemon… with a light citrus scent and floral notes.
For centuries, people have been using the extracts from bergamot’s sour juice and the oil from its peel to alleviate a number of ailments like headaches, anxiety, depression, and even joint pain.
But several studies have now shown that bergamot’s most potent—and powerful—benefit is its ability to reduce your LDL cholesterol and increase your HDL (good) cholesterol. Both, as a result, reduce your overall cholesterol reading!
In multiple studies published in Integrative Food, Nutrition, and Metabolism, researchers determined that bergamot is comprised of two cholesterol-lowering compounds: brutieridin and melitidin.
You see, both brutieridin and melitidin work similarly to statin drugs in that they activate proteins that regulate blood sugar and fats, specifically AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
AMPK plays a critical role in your body’s ability to properly regulate your cholesterol levels.
Results in multiple animal and human studies have found that brutieridin and melitidin can not only help reduce overall lipid levels (which is the general ‘profile’ of how much cholesterol you have).
But when taken by mouth, brutieridin and melitidin have also shown to reduce LDL cholesterol in JUST 30 days.
So, don’t stop drinking the Earl Grey if you’re a tea fanatic. Otherwise, you can also find bergamot in capsule form at most health food and vitamin stores.
If you’re on any cholesterol medications, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
To real cholesterol control,
Sarah Reagan
Sources:
Juber, Muhammed. “Health Benefits of Bergamot.” https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-bergamot#1
Whelan, Corey. “About Bergamot Oil.” https://www.healthline.com/health/bergamot-oil |
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