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Benefits of Turmeric Extract for Cholesterol
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 102 million American adults have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels.
However, many of these people find out only after an adverse event such as a heart attack or a stroke. Like blood pressure, which can creep up without any symptoms until it’s too late, elevated cholesterol has come to be known as another “silent killer.”
As one of the most heavily researched natural products in the world, turmeric has been shown to help with everything from joint pain to brain health and most health conditions associated with inflammation – including high cholesterol.
The body packages cholesterol into two main particles: one of which can be extremely dangerous (low-density lipoprotein/LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol), the other of which can be downright life-saving (high-density lipoprotein/HDL, the so-called “good” cholesterol ) (Harvard). And it’s having too much of the former, LDL, that wreaks havoc by creating “plaques” that ultimately end up lining the arteries, blocking the natural flow of blood, resulting in angina (chest pain with exertion or stress), heart attacks, and strokes (Healthline).
Turmeric Extract Benefits for Cholesterol
Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Turmeric contains many substances, but one group, curcuminoids, have been shown to have the greatest health-promoting benefits. Bright yellow curcumin, in particular, has been well-studied and is known for its positive effects on many of the body’s functions, including maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
It has been found to lower lipids, elevate HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol, further boost the cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterols in hypercholesterolemic individuals, and even reduce both total cholesterol level and LDL cholesterol level in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Turmeric also improves blood flow as much as exercise; is antiatherosclerotic (meaning it actively works against the clogging of blood vessels); and inhibits platelet aggregation, plaque formation, and lipid oxidation. All of this spells very good news for our blood vessels and for helping us to maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
What is the Link Between Turmeric, Inflammation, and Cholesterol?
When high levels of cholesterol occur in the bloodstream, excess LDL begins to seep into the inner wall of the artery, triggering an inflammatory response, which speeds up the accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall. This produces even more inflammation, and a vicious cycle begins.
Researchers have argued that inflammation, not cholesterol, is the cause of most chronic diseases. Although cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular diseases, inflammation is the true underlying mechanism for many of the illnesses that plague our society including heart disease and high blood pressure.
You can learn more about the benefits of turmeric extract for high blood pressure by reading this article:
Get Started with Active Atoms Turmeric
If you have high cholesterol or would like to prevent it, consult your doctor about supplementing with curcumin.
Active Atoms contains 750 mg of turmeric extract per capsule making it what we believe is the highest potency turmeric supplement on the market. You only need to take 1-2 capsules per day to attain the optimal dose of turmeric to fight inflammation.
In addition to Active Atoms, a high-quality diet, lots of movement, fresh air, natural sunlight, plenty of relaxation, restful sleep, and a solid stress-management plan is your best bet for living a long and happy life.
Author:
Dr. Shari Youngblood | Shari is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) & Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) who writes on all manner of nutrition topics, particularly those related to natural foods, food cultures, nutraceuticals, integrative health, and functional medicine. You can find her at www.nutritionwriting.com | April 18, 2020
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