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Nutrition Products
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Policosanol is an
interesting and unique natural substance that appears to be the most
effective over-the-counter supplement for lowering cholesterol.
This compound is found in plant waxes that are prevalent throughout
nature. |
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Policosanol is generally derived from the waxy coating on sugar
cane, but is also found in beeswax, rice bran, broccoli, spinach,
alfalfa and oats. Plants make these compounds to act as a
water barrier. |
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Scientists have been investigating the cholesterol-lowering
abilities of policosanol for more than 30 years. The most
recent studies show impressive reduction of bad (LDL) cholesterol,
by approximately 20 to 30 percent. The exact mechanism whereby
policosanol improves lipids is not entirely clear, but it appears to
block the formation of cholesterol in the liver.
Policasanol does not, however, use the same pathway as the statins,
the prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as Lipitor,
Crestor, Pravachol, and Lescol). |
In rigorous
recent scientific studies, policosanol lowered cholesterol about as
well as the older statins (like Pravachol and lovastatin). In
one side-by-side comparison study, 10 mg. policosanol reduced the
LDL cholesterol 24 % compared to 22 % for lovastatin 20 mg.
Also, policosanol is an effective option for raising HDL cholesterol
(which is notoriously difficult to increase) by approximately 5 to
10 %. The HDL cholesterol particles are highly protective
because they act as scavengers cleaning up any cholesterol deposits
in your arteries.
In animal studies, policosanol has been shown to
inhibit the development of artherosclerotic plaques. This
compound also seems to be able to inhibit the oxidation of LDL, a
critical step in causing the chronic inflammation that promotes
progression of atherosclerosis and adverse events like heart attack
and stroke.
Policosanol is a natural supplement made from
plant compounds found widely in nature, and appears to be a
non-toxic substace. When rats were given over 1,700 times the
usual human dose, no toxicity was noted. Monkeys, dogs and
even human subjects have been given several times the standard dose
without any adverse effects.
Long-term studies lasting two years or more
show no serious adverse effects from policosanol. In a study
of more than 3,000 people, only 26 patients on policosanol dropped
out due to side effects. The most frequent complaint in a
study lasting two and one-half years was mild weight loss. One
of the findings of this large trial was that people taking
policosanol had significantly lower rates of hospitalizations and
reduced adverse cardiac events like heart attack.
Postmenopausal women at risk for heart-disease,
people over age 60, and diabetics have all been tested on
policosanol with good results. In one trial where policosanol
was used in people with blocked leg arteries, the drug significantly
improved the maximum distance a person could walk before having to
stop. Policosanol has some anti-clotting activity and so it is
not recommended for people who are on warfarin (Coumadin).
CardioTea with policosanol is a dietary
supplment that contains 20 mg. of policosanol and high
concentrations of antioxidants from green tea. One tablet of
CardioTea with policosanols daily is a highly effective supplement
for keeping cholesterol levels under control, especially in people
who cannot or will not take a statin. Additionally, we use
CardioTea with policosanol as a supplement for people already on a
statin who continue to run cholesterol levels outside of the ideal
range."
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