Since February is American Heart Month, it’s a good time to look at a product that could be helpful for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and a host of other preventive benefits.
Heart disease affects millions each year, and the CDC estimates nearly half(47%) of U.S. adults have at least one of three key risk factors for heart disease. It is also responsible for one in four deaths, and costs the country a whopping $219 billion. Needless to say, this is a critical health issue that can affect most of us or a family member at some time in our lives.
Even with amazing advancements in diagnosis, drug treatments, and life-saving surgical interventions, there is much room for improvement in terms of tools for prevention and long term heart health. Diet and regular exercise are well recognized as most important for heart health, but interest in functional foods, herbs and more are showing promise as well.
Tea Time
If you are a fan of Earl Grey tea, there may be good news for you. A few studies have linked consumption of Earl Grey, from 3-8 cups daily, with lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. While the tea itself has established benefits, the bergamot citrus oil that’s the key part of Earl Grey’s flavor contains special antioxidants that support heart health on their own. In particular, bergamot oil contains polyphenols such as neohesperidin, naringin, neoeriocitrin and more that appear to be responsible for its numerous benefits.
A few studies have linked consumption of Earl Grey, from 3-8 cups daily, with lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Even if you are a daily tea drinker, averaging 3 or more cups a day of Earl Grey may not be realistic to achieve its cardiovascular benefits. In addition, you may not want to take in that much caffeine each day or deal with the potential mild effects of high amounts of tea consumption(teeth stains, tight muscles, mineral absorption interference).
Luckily, extracts of bergamot oil are available in pill form, and studies of the supplement show similarly positive results.
Ortho Molecular Bergamot BPF
Ortho Molecular’s Bergamot BPFv (bioactive polyphenolic fractions) is a trademarked, high quality extract supplement of the key antioxidants that support cardiovascular health. Each serving contains 38% concentration of polyphenols, including the fractions neohesperidin, naringin, neoeriocitrin, brutieridin, and melitidin.
In clinical studies, these polyphenols showed support for healthy cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. In addition, the antioxidant properties of Bergamot BPF appear to support inflammatory balance in coronary arteries. It may also support CoQ10 levels as well, a critical nutrient for heart cell energy.
Ortho Molecular Bergamot BPF contains 1,000 mg of Bergamot Citrus extract per two capsule serving, consistent with the strength used in clinical trials.
While it can be a welcome addition to your health regimen, it’s recommended to consult your physician to see if it is appropriate for you. Bergamot BPF is intended as a supplement to a healthy diet and lifestyle program, and not as a replacement for prescription drugs or treatment for cardiovascular disease.
References
1. Heart Disease Facts, published On the Web, Updated Dec 2, 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm. Accessed Feb 20, 2020
2. Streit, Lizzie, MS. ‘All You Need to Know About Bergamot Tea(Earl Grey)’. Published On The Web, Sept. 27, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bergamot-tea. Accessed Feb 20, 2020
3. Bergamot BPF, Product One Sheet. https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/file.aspx?DocumentId=1794 Accessed Feb 20, 2020
Patrick Postlewait studied English Literature and Environmental Studies before spending the rest of his twenties working on an organic farm growing vegetables and herbs. He spent over a decade in the supplement and health food industry before becoming Brands Manager for Acupuncture Atlanta. When not at the clinic, he spends time with his wife and works as a studio musician and songwriter.
Any statements made on our blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.
TCM Reference
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, Inc. 2009. Print.
In clinical studies, these polyphenols showed support for healthy cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. In addition, the antioxidant properties of Bergamot BPF appear to support inflammatory balance in coronary arteries. It may also support CoQ10 levels as well, a critical nutrient for heart cell energy.
