How Artichoke Leaf Extract Lowers Cholesterol
The artichoke leaf extract has anti-cholesterolemic and lipid-producing effects. (It is also one of the ingredients in the natural cholesterol lowering supplement CholesLo.) These “anti-cholesterolemic” and “lipid-producing” effects are very helpful for heart health and the reduction of blood fats.
The use of artichoke leaf extract may eventually lead to a reduction of cholesterol levels. These occurrences are due to the activation and an interference of cholesterol metabolism.
- In other words, artichoke leaf extract contains certain compounds that enhance the mobility of stored fats to flow into the blood and subsequently allow it to be excreted from the body. Its cynarin compound can also be responsible for the rate of reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
- In addition, it is also helpful in the enhancement of biliary excretion of cholesterol. Therefore, the levels of cholesterol and other triglycerides will also be reduced through the help of the active compounds found in artichoke leaf extract.
What Is Artichoke Leaf Extract?
Artichokes are vegetables that you do not see in everyone’s kitchen – unlike spinach, pumpkin, eggplants, broccoli, etc. This is because some people find artichoke a bit complicated to prepare. Artichokes have thorny exteriors. These thorns serve to protect its inner treasure chest of nutrients! Although many people love to eat its heart portion, its plethora of nutrients can be obtained by eating its leaves.
Artichokes As An Antioxidant
Studies have shown that artichokes beat blueberries and other vegetables for containing the highest level of antioxidants. Therefore, this thorny and mysterious looking vegetable is no doubt one amazing treasure for improving heart health.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol.
Anti-Atherosclerosis Effect of Artichoke
Some studies also reveal that artichoke leaf extract can help prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques. This anti-atherosclerotic effect was believed to be caused by its antioxidant effect that helps reduce the rate of LDL oxidation and prevent cholesterol synthesis.
The decreased rate of cholesterol synthesis occurs through the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase actions. These are the same occurrences that take place inside the body when a person is under statin medication treatment.
Studies Prove The Antioxidant Capability
A study was conducted in Poland to prove the antioxidant capability of artichoke leaf extract. The said study involved several members of the Polish rowing team. Twelve members of the team were asked to take one capsule of artichoke leaf extract for three times a day. The other ten members of the team were given a placebo.
After five weeks, those rowers who were under artichoke leaf extract supplementation were found to have better antioxidant capacity in their blood compared to those participants who just took the placebo.
Another research conducted in the University of Reading proved that regular consumption of artichoke leaf extract can lead to a significant reduction of the individual’s total plasma cholesterol.
These studies have lead many experts to a conclusion that taking natural supplements that contain artichoke leaf extract such as CholesLo, can be very helpful towards preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases without the need to take drugs.
So if you want to experience the benefits and spare yourself from arteriosclerosis and any other heart disease, why not include artichoke leaf extracts in your life. Artichoke leaf extract is just one of the CholesLo ingredients used to lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
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