Policosanol – The Safe Way To Lower Cholesterol by Dr Sam Robbins

Many of us are victims of the #1 reason for heart failures - Cholesterol. It builds up slowly on us, and before we realise it, we are having high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body due to our unhealthy eating habits, and are at risk of heart disease. Drug prescriptions usually contain statins which produce harmful side effects in our body. Is there no natural remedy for lowering cholesterol? Is there no other natural supplement which does the same work as the statin without the side effects? Fortunately, there is one – Policosanol.

LATEST UPDATE: Click here to know how Policosanol can work for you.

http://TheCholesterolBlog.info/week2/Policosanol

Policosanol is a mixture of alcohols derived from the fermentation of Cuban sugarcane. Octacosanol at 60% is the main alcohol, but other alcohols present in minor quantities are hexacosanol and triacontanol and others. The high percentage of octacosanol helps in two ways – to reduce the total and LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol and increase the HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol.

Cholesterol, a waxy susbtance produced by the liver is found in the cell walls of almost every organ in the body. It is transported by lipoproteins. LDL or low density lipoproteins tend to deposit excess cholesterol along arterial walls leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. The HDL or high density lipoproteins break down the excess deposits or plaque and transport them to the liver for disposal.

Studies on intake of Policosanol

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 437 patients of cholesterol were given either Policosanol or a placebo for twelve weeks. The results obtained at the end of the study showed that while the cholesterol of the placebo group remained as it was, the cholesterol levels of the Policosanol group showed a 17% reduction in total cholesterol level, 25% reduction in LDL and a 28% increase in HDL levels. This means faster removal of plaque and decrease in the risk of coronary disease.

Other benefits of Policosanol

Policosanol has shown to have anti- proliferative effect similar to statins. A study has shown that 10 mg of Policosanol has lowered LDL by 24% as compared to simvastatin (Zocor) at 15% for 10 mg. This makes it an ideal substitute for statin drugs.

It also inhibits formation of clots and helps in reducing platelet aggregation. Aspirins are used for thinning of blood. While they act in one manner, policosanols have a different action on blood platelets. Together, they are more effective than either alone.

The hormones estrogen and progesterone have a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Post menopause, many women show increased cholesterol levels and succumb to heart problems as levels of these hormones decrease. Studies have shown that women who were given Policosanol showed a decrease of 17% total cholesterol, 25% LDL and increase of 29% HDL.

People with Type - II diabetes are at high risk with respect to cholesterol. Policosanol has no carbohydrate value and therefore, does not raise blood sugar. Thus, it is very suitable for diabetic patients.

With so many benefits, Policosanol seems like your best bet. Would you like to know more about Policosanol and what it can do for you? Please see this Doctor’s Special Report at http://TheCholesterolBlog.info/week2/Policosanol