A Mediterranean citrus fruit little known to the general public, bergamot , or Citrus Bergamia by its scientific name, has astonishing power over our health, particularly over our cholesterol levels.
Fruit of perfumery par excellence, this citrus fruit is also a precious ally for our cardiovascular system. Its cold-pressed juice is full of vital components for our body.
Presentation of bergamot
Originally from Calabria, bergamot is a citrus fruit with a fragrant zest that is very popular in perfumery. But that's not all, its juice, rich in antioxidants , vitamin C and bioflavonoids , including the precious naringin, makes it a fruit with multiple medicinal properties.
It is particularly recognized for its beneficial action on lipid metabolism and the assimilation of fiber and pectin, two essential elements for good digestive health. Its essential oil, for its part, is a natural antiseptic.
An overview of general health benefits
Bergamot is a mine of benefits for our health. Its richness in polyphenols, notably genistein, gives it powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Its hypolipidemic action allows it to fight effectively against hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. It promotes an increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and a reduction in bad cholesterol (LDL). It also acts as a cholesterol regulator and participates in lipid balance, thus helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, bergamot has been identified as a natural statin , meaning it has the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels, similar to medications commonly used in the treatment of cholesterol disorders. Finally, bergamot contributes to the fight against obesity, by facilitating better assimilation of lipids and promoting a healthy diet.
The little-known power of bergamot on cholesterol
Bergamot , a citrus fruit from the Citrus family, is mainly grown in the Mediterranean region of Calabria. It is often used in perfumery for its rich and fragrant essential oil obtained by cold pressing the zest.
However, bergamot juice is also a powerful and natural elixir for health. It has a high concentration of bioflavonoids, antioxidants, vitamin C and polyphenols.
These components, in particular naringin and genistein, have a hypolipidemic effect on our body. They help regulate lipids, thereby reducing bad cholesterol, or LDL, while increasing good cholesterol, or HDL.
Understanding cholesterol: good and bad cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance necessary for our body to produce hormones, vitamin D and bile acids that help with digestion.
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density cholesterol), often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it can accumulate in the arteries and promote cardiovascular disease, and HDL (high-density cholesterol), the “good cholesterol,” which helps remove LDL from the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
A lipid balance is therefore essential for cardiovascular and hepatic health.
How bergamot juice works on cholesterol
Bergamot juice has shown hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. It acts as a cholesterol regulator, helping to lower LDL and increase HDL.
The polyphenols found in bergamot juice, particularly naringin and genistein, appear to inhibit lipid assimilation and reduce triglycerides in the blood. Additionally, pectin, a fiber found in bergamot, and beta-sitosterol, a plant compound, help control cholesterol.
Additionally, bergamot juice can help fight obesity and diabetes, two major contributors to high cholesterol. In addition, thanks to its richness in antioxidants, bergamot has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, thus supporting cardiovascular health.
How to include bergamot in your diet to control cholesterol
Bergamot citrus (Citrus bergamia), a Mediterranean gem, particularly from Calabria, is a powerful little-known ally for cardiovascular health .
This valuable source of polyphenols , bioflavonoids and vitamin C acts synergistically to regulate lipid metabolism. It promotes the increase in HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and the reduction in LDL (the “bad” cholesterol).
The presence of pectin and beta-sitosterol in bergamot makes it a natural cholesterol regulator.
Integrating bergamot juice into a balanced diet not only helps fight hypercholesterolemia , but also contributes to optimal cardiac well-being.
The different ways to consume bergamot
Bergamot , a powerful antioxidant , offers many benefits for overall health and well-being . Its juice, cold pressed to preserve the precious polyphenols and flavonoids , can be consumed alone or integrated into smoothies for a dietary approach to nutrition .
Bergamot zest, rich in essential oil and naringin , can be added to salads or desserts for a touch of acidity.
In herbal medicine, bergamot can be infused, providing digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to maintain the healthiness of the cardiovascular system.
Simple and healthy recipes using bergamot
Many dishes can be enhanced with a touch of bergamot. A simple example is a citrus salad, where slices of bergamot are tossed with oranges, grapefruit and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
For a healthy dessert, try a bergamot tart, where bergamot juice and zest are combined with honey and a nut-based crust.
Finally, a bergamot and chamomile tea can be a great way to end the day, taking advantage of the calming and digestive properties of these two plants. These recipes are not only delicious, they also promote good cardiovascular health by helping to control cholesterol.
Citrus bergamia , more commonly known as bergamot , is a Mediterranean citrus fruit that is packed with health benefits. The bioflavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C it contains act as powerful antioxidants.
Cold-pressed bergamot juice is a valuable source of pectin, a soluble fiber that plays a crucial role in lipid assimilation and cholesterol regulation. It is also rich in naringin and beta-sitosterol, compounds that promote the increase in HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and the decrease in LDL (the “bad” cholesterol).
These properties make bergamot a natural hypolipidemic potential, an interesting alternative to statins to fight against hypercholesterolemia. In addition, genistein present in bergamot contributes to lipid balance and could be useful in the fight against obesity.
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