What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a natural and essential component of the cell membrane in the human body. Its main function is to maintain this cell barrier elastic and it also acts as a contact point to select different molecules to integrate into the cell. Cholesterol is produced both by the cells of the body itself, mostly by liver cells, or absorbed in the intestine through the nutrients we consume.
Cholesterol plays a vital role.…
"Although cholesterol is often demonized in today's society, its presence is vital for the proper functioning of various bodily systems. Cholesterol, in addition to being part of the cell membrane, is also the base molecule for creating additional molecules, called steroid molecules, among which we find bile salts, female and male hormones (progesterone, estradiol, testosterone), and some vitamins such as vitamin D."
Cholesterol and the Cardiovascular System.
Cholesterol – like triglycerides – is part of lipids or fatty acids and is transported through the cardiovascular system by small proteins. The transport carried out by the proteins occurs with the formation of small vesicles that are characterized according to their density. The density of these droplets depends on the proteins and the direction of lipid transport. When lipids are transported from the liver to body tissues via the transport proteins ApoB, we refer to low-density lipoproteins (low density lipoprotein, LDL). Whereas if the transport occurs in the opposite direction from body tissues to the liver through ApoA proteins, the density of the vesicles will be higher (high density lipoproteins, HDL). The latter are also known as good cholesterol. In fact, both types perform important transport functions in the body.
Cholesterol can also cause problems in the body.
Cholesterol can also cause problems in the body and lead to hypercholesterolemia. When a very high concentration of total cholesterol or LDL is detected in the blood, it is referred to as high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). When this imbalance is present, it is important to act because an excess of lipid molecules can damage various organs, primarily the liver and the cardiovascular system, causing serious conditions such as thrombosis and ischemia as well as gallstones.
The medical consultation for cases of excessive hypercholesterolemia is necessary to establish the appropriate treatment. Many times, statins are prescribed, which are molecules that intervene in the production of cholesterol in the liver, blocking the enzymes that produce it.
Preventing the onset of hypercholesterolemia is better than treating it; a healthy and balanced diet and an active lifestyle can prevent serious health issues and maintain the correct balance between LDL and HDL.
Natural statins known as monacolin K
The side effects of statins must absolutely be considered as they are of a certain magnitude.
It has been observed that people who take supplements containing monacolin K frequently suffer from side effects such as muscle pain, feelings of tiredness and fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal disturbances (Younes et al., 2018). Due to these side effects and also based on studies conducted in collaboration with the University of Bologna, the European body EFSA has confirmed DG SANTE's decision on the proposal to ban the use of doses of monacolin K greater than or equal to 3 mg daily in food supplements. A final decision will be expressed between June and September 2020.
CS1/BERGACOL is a dietary supplement without plant statins, designed to naturally reduce cholesterol through the action of Bergamot, Artichoke, Annurca Apple and Olive Leaves. Studies conducted at the University of Pisa have shown that Bergamot juice effectively reduces excess fats in the blood (De Leo et al., 2019). Other studies conducted at the University of Naples have shed light on the beneficial effects of the Annurca Apple, a typical product from Campania, on cholesterol. This fruit, in fact, effectively reduces cholesterol in the blood. The extract of Artichoke leaves is a rich source of folic acid, biotin, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, B complex, C, and K. The extract of Olive leaves, rich in polyphenols, can improve blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol. These positive effects decrease the risk of coronary disease and that of stroke and heart attack. This occurs through a reduction in low-density lipoproteins (i.e., LDL, the bad cholesterol) and an increase in high-density lipoproteins (HDL, the good cholesterol). The effect is due to the presence in the leaves of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly "alpha-linolenic" acid.
All together, these ingredients provide targeted and natural support to counteract cholesterol and excess fats that increase the risk of developing hypercholesterolemia.
Finally, the product also offers an antioxidant action capable of protecting against the main cardiovascular risk factors.
