Article: Policosanol: Nature's Answer to Lowering Cholesterol
Policosanol: Nature's Answer to Lowering Cholesterol
There is a lot of talk about the supplement Policosanol and its effects on cholesterol since most would consider it high on the list of natural remedies for high cholesterol.
In this blog, we're going to dive into the world of Policosanol (also known as Cuban Sugar Cane) and explore what science has to say about this natural supplement made to lower cholesterol.
Table Of Contents
- The Origins of Policosanol (What Is It?)
- Policosanol Benefits
- How Does Policosanol Work?
- Is Policosanol Safe?
- How Much Policosanol Should I Take to Lower My Cholesterol?
- Where to Buy Policosanol
- Conclusion
The Origins of Policosanol (What Is It?)
Policosanol, a supplement renowned for its primary function of lowering cholesterol levels, is derived from a blend of long-chain alcohols extracted from sugarcane wax (Saccharum officinarum). Its key components include octacosanol, triacontanol, and related alcohols. Hailing from Cuba, where sugarcane thrives abundantly, policosanol rapidly gained traction as a natural solution for managing cholesterol.
During the 1970s through the early 2000s, cardiovascular disease surged to become Cuba's foremost cause of death, encompassing an array of heart and blood vessel conditions. Responding to this alarming trend, the government introduced policosanol as a strategic intervention to combat the mortality rates associated with these ailments. Over time, it has demonstrated its position as one of the most effective cholesterol-lowering supplements available.
The initial surge in Cuban policosanol's popularity can be traced back to research conducted within Cuba during the 1970s to 1990s. This research illuminated the compound's potential to significantly reduce levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol.
Policosanol Benefits
Over the years many studies have been conducted on the benefits of Policosanol. Some of the benefits include lower cholesterol levels, decreased blood pressure, increased blood flow, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Below we’ll dive into depth on the benefits of Policosanol, and how the supplement can impact your health.
1. Policosanol Lowers LDL or “bad cholesterol”
Several scientific studies have provided compelling evidence that the daily use of policosanol can lead to significant reductions in cholesterol levels, similar to statin medications.
Policosanol seems to lower cholesterol production in the liver and increase the breakdown of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol. One 2001 study conducted in Cuba found that Policosanol can help to normalize total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels in older patients with hypertension.
Similarly, research conducted in 2016 found that Policosanol works by lowering LDL cholesterol in the liver. The experiment tested the cholesterol-lowering effects of policosanol on rats that were fed high-cholesterol diets. Stating, “Compared with the control group, dietary treatment with policosanol resulted in a significant decrease of blood cholesterol, blood glucose, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver.”
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba (MEDICC) have recognized Policosanol for its ability to lower cholesterol.
2. Policosanol Can Significantly Reduce Blood Pressure
One recent study reviewed several databases, studies, and experiments conducted on the effects of Policosanol and concluded that “Policosanol can lower SBP and DBP (blood pressure) significantly”.
Policosanol has been explored for its potential to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the formation of blood clots. While this might not directly lower blood pressure, it could contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
It is important to note studies of policosanol are still emerging and while several studies suggest positive effects on cholesterol management, cardiovascular health, and an array of other health benefits, other studies' results were inconclusive or did not observe significant changes.
3. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
As well as lowering cholesterol, and blood pressure, one study conducted on rats found that policosanol helped reduce blood glucose levels. Regulation of blood glucose levels helps to protect against metabolic syndrome, diabetes and can help you lose weight.
How Does Policosanol Work?
One of the primary reasons for policosanol's popularity is its reputation as one of the best supplements to lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, as it can lead to the accumulation of plaque in arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Policosanol inhibits the synthesis of LDL cholesterol in the liver, reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream. Similar to how statin drugs function. However, it's important to note that the exact mechanism of action is still being studied.
Is Policosanol Safe?
Yes. Policosanol is safe to take in dosages as much as 80 mg per day. An online article published by WebMD confirms this by saying, “When taken by mouth: Policosanol is likely safe for most people when taken in doses of 5-80 mg daily for up to 3 years.”
Additionally, as with any dietary supplement, individual responses can differ, and it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are already taking medications or have underlying health conditions.
“How much Policosanol should I take to lower my cholesterol?”
A common question we see regarding Policosanol is “How much should I take to lower my cholesterol?”.
A typical dosage of Policosanol is between 10 to 20 milligrams per day which is the amount common supplement brands will supply. Although one study has shown that higher doses of Policosanol (up to 40 mg per day) can lower cholesterol by up to 28.1% in 24 weeks.
This is why at Anew Vita our Policosanol supplements are sold at 40 mg per serving.
Buy our 40 mg Policosanol supplements here.
Higher amounts may be taken, anywhere from 5 to 80 milligrams per day depending on the condition you wish to address.
Where To Buy Policosanol
When considering incorporating policosanol into your health regimen, finding a reliable source is crucial. Be sure to choose a reputable brand that offers quality and transparency. That's where Anew Vita stands out as your trusted destination for purchasing policosanol supplements.
Buy Policosanol Supplements here.
Why Choose Anew Vita?
At Anew Vita, we prioritize quality above all else. All of our supplements are made right here in the United States. We favor trademarked and patented ingredients in our products to ensure we provide top-of-the-line supplements.
Anew Vita's Cuban Policosanol supplements are sourced from Cuban sugarcane, which is home to one of the world's largest sugar industries. Cuba enforces rigorous regulations for its sugar cane production, ensuring that Anew Vita's Policosanol maintains an exceptional level of quality.
All of our formulations contain highly concentrated ingredients, meaning our supplements last longer and perform better than the competition.
Our policosanol supplements (like all of our supplements) are manufactured in the USA and meet the highest standards of purity and potency. With Anew Vita, you can be confident that you're receiving a premium product that aligns with your health goals.
Our community support team (community@anewvita.com) is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have. Your journey to better health is our priority.
Click here to buy Anew Vita’s Policosanol supplement
Conclusion
Policosanol (also known as Cuban Sugar Cane), derived from sugarcane wax, has gained attention for its potential to help manage cholesterol levels, promote cardiovascular health, increase blood flow, and regulate blood glucose labels.
While research on policosanol's benefits is still evolving, studies suggest that it could have a positive impact on LDL cholesterol reduction and potentially offer positive cardiovascular effects.
However, it's essential to remember that dietary supplements are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and medical guidance. As research continues, the true potential of policosanol will become clearer, offering individuals a natural approach to support their heart health journey. Always prioritize informed decisions and consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your supplement routine.
