CITRUS BERGAMOT HEALTH BENEFITS
Health Benefits
Bergamot has traditionally been used in in the Calabrian region for decades, having beneficial effects in supporting and promoting cardiovascular health. Bergamot juice differs from other citrus fruits because it contains exceptionally large amounts of several unique polyphenols. When the juice is extracted, concentrated, and standardized in tablet form, it has been shown to support cardiovascular health.
Lipid levels are just one aspect of cardiovascular health. Bergamot polyphenols are also very potent antioxidants that protect against free radical damage throughout the body, including the all-important vascular endothelium. The condition and function of the endothelium — the thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels — is perhaps the most important determinant of cardiovascular health, as it is intimately involved in vasoconstriction/dilation and the formation of new blood vessels. Polyphenol-rich Bergamot extract has been demonstrated to counter oxidative stress and suppress inflammation in endothelial cells, and improve arterial responsiveness.
The Bergamot Fruit
Bergamot is positioned to become a support for cardiovascular and cholesterol health. This extract also activates AMPK. AMPK is a central regulator of energy and is thus involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. “Turning on” AMPK improves insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose uptake in cells, and suppresses the synthesis of glucose in the liver, thus helping support healthy blood glucose levels. It also stimulates the burning of free fatty acids.