Balancing cholesterol naturally (Part 2)
Tangerine peel extract
Last week I introduced the health benefits of compounds extracted from tangerine peel. These compounds are called polymethoxylated flavones, fortunately abbreviated to PMF’s. They may well be one of the most important food compounds for your heart. The most biologically active are nobiletin and tangeritin- both extracted from tangerine skins.
It fascinates me that compounds that have a specific function in plants can have different benefits for human health. Flavones are yellow coloured molecules used by plants to colour their flowers to make them more attractive to pollinating insects. When we consume food or supplements with flavones they take on a variety of incredibly healthy properties.
While research into PMF’s is continuing, there is evidence that these compounds have several benefits for heart health. Deep in your liver tissues are a series of enzymes that create the cholesterol we need.
For a variety of reasons these enzymes can become imbalanced producing more cholesterol than we need. Clinical trials over 3 months with Sytrinol®, a blend of PMF’s and vitamin E compounds showed significant improvements in cholesterol balance especially the very important ratio between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Statin intolerance
Statin cholesterol medications are very effective at blocking the specific enzyme needed to make cholesterol and usually significantly reduce cholesterol levels. However there are a large group who cannot tolerate the side especially muscle pain, low energy, changes in mood, memory and generally have less mental clarity. There are also others who prefer to use natural solutions over prescribed medications.
If you are taking Statins I advise you to take a high quality Co enzyme Q10 such as my CoQsol. This is because statins proportionately reduce the production of both cholesterol and Co enzyme Q10. Low CoQ10 shows in muscle weakness/pain, general lethargy, mental dullness and poor moods.
PMF’s are excellent antioxidants
PMF’s are also excellent antioxidants to reduce free radical damage and are especially good at protecting heart arteries. Most people can tolerate PMF’s well and can be taken with most medications.
PMF’s and blood sugar
PMF’s have other benefits. A study (Li et al 2006) showed that PMF’s help to prevent high triglycerides and blood sugar with a high fructose diet. Of course no one suggests using PMF’s to counter high fructose soft drinks but these show promise in helping these important processes cope with naturally occurring fructose in fruit and vegetables. The study does suggest that people who have blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol issues could benefit from adding concentrated PMF’s.
For those who prefer natural methods to balance cholesterol I recommend a 3 month trial of Sytrinol® followed with a cholesterol test to determine your progress. For best results I prefer to combine a low sugar and refined carbohydrate diet with Cell-X and Omega 3. Give me a call or email if you need further information.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2018