Decreases in serum glucose were observed with BPF from 120 to 98 and BPF Phyto from 124 to 96. No changes were observed in the placebo group. The results suggest that both formulations were able to significantly modify cholesterol levels after 30 days.
The conclusion to these studies is that Bergamot BPF lowers total cholesterol and LDL and increases HDL the same as a statin but lowers triglycerides substantially more than a statin while eliminating many of the side effects cause statin medications.
Dosing. Bergamot essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, alone or with other essential oils. Bergamot extract has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 1000 mg by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Studies show that bergamot lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol just as well as cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. This lowers the risk of heart disease. Not only that, but bergamot also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL), making the supplement a better treatment option than statins.
How much citrus bergamot should I take? You should take between 500 to 1000 milligrams of Citrus bergamot per day. We recommend starting with 500 milligrams daily and gradually increasing the dose up to 1000 milligrams if needed.
Bergamot flavonoids were found to stimulate lipid metabolism and prevent accumulation of pathogenic fat in the liver by promoting its elimination through autophagy. Researchers also found that BPF prevented inflammatory changes in the liver, suggesting a slowed progression of NASH.
The suggested dose of bergamot is 500–1,000 mg of a standardized extract, taken once or twice a day 20–30 minutes before meals. For maximum benefits, take bergamot twice a day for 60–90 days, reevaluate your lipid levels, and adjust your dose accordingly.
The use of bergamot in multiple clinical trials has consistently shown that it is well tolerated in studies ranging from 30 days to 12 weeks.
It's important to monitor those levels if you choose to use bergamot supplements. Even if you don't have diabetes, bergamot could make it harder for doctors to control your blood sugar during surgery. Experts recommend that you stop using bergamot supplements two weeks before you have surgery.
Cholesterol and risk
"Extract from bergamot – most commonly used in Earl Grey tea – reduced total cholesterol, and LDL levels but there was an increase in HDL levels (good cholesterol). Therefore a daily supplement of bergamot fruit extract could be very effective for the treatment of high cholesterol."
In humans, bergamot-derived extract (BE) exerts positive effects on hyperlipidemia with an oral dose from 150 mg to 1000 mg/day of flavonoids administered from 30 to 180 days, demonstrating an effect on body weight and in modulating total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL.
Hawthorn fruit is beneficial to the cardiovascular system, partially due to its effect on serum cholesterol. Previous reports showed that hawthorn decreased serum total cholesterol (TC),3 LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) in hyperlipidemic humans (5,8).
Bergamot. How It Promotes Sleep: Bergamot can be useful in preparing your body for sleep, as it slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Unlike many other citrus oils that are said to be energizing, bergamot is calming, can reduce stress and anxiety, and possesses sedative qualities.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
The takeaway. Research points to bergamot essential oil's ability to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and increase positive mood. It can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It can also cause photosensitivity, and should not be left on skin that will be exposed to sunlight.
The studies found that taking a daily supplement of bergamot-derived polyphenol fraction (BPF) reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol.
The distinctive flavor of Earl Grey comes from bergamot oil. Bergamot is a kind of orange, and Twinings recently jazzed up the 180-year-old recipe with some extra citrus flavor.
When used in aromatherapy, bergamot oil has been found to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, key hormones that regulate mood. Inhaling bergamot oil can stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine), which helps regulate mood.
Research has shown that Earl Grey Tea works to improve cholesterol and blood pressure. A study in Preventative Medicine showed that enjoying three cups of Earl Grey a day encourages the production of HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol, and triglycerides in your body.
One study published in 2013 showed that cholesterol dropped significantly among 77 patients who took 1,000 mg of bergamot extract daily for one month, enabling them to cut their statin dose in half.
The citrus essential oils – grapefruit, lemon and bergamot - as well as fennel, cinnamon, peppermint and ginger, are all known to be effective appetite suppressants to help naturally promote weight loss.
Some evidence suggests bergamot can help reduce LDL levels and total cholesterol. While more studies are necessary, the same research indicates that bergamot may also help to increase HDL levels. Bergamot contains high levels of flavonoids .
Conclusions: This specific nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot and wild cardoon reduced the liver fat content during 12 weeks in individuals with liver steatosis over 50 years. If confirmed, this nutraceutical could become the cornerstone treatment of patients affected by liver steatosis.
Citrus extracts, particularly bergamot essential oil (BEO) and its fractions, have been found to exhibit anticancer efficacy.
Studies have revealed that bergamot essential oil reduces high blood pressure when it is diffused and inhaled for 15-60 minutes. This means that those who use bergamot essential oil for aromatherapy typically show a significant reduction not only in their blood pressure but also their heart rate.