Low HDL (Good) Cholesterol

1 of the 12 leading causes of
high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes

hdl cholesterol

Why is it important to raise your HDL cholesterol?

HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Unlike low-density lipoprotein or LDL (Bad) cholesterol, which can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion.

Research has shown that higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, while lower levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that for every 1 mg/dL increase in HDL cholesterol, the risk of heart disease decreased by 2-3%.

 

What are the effects of low HDL cholesterol?

When there is not enough HDL cholesterol present, excess cholesterol can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of plaques in the arteries. These plaques can narrow or block the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Other potential effects of low HDL cholesterol include:

  • Increased risk of atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, and is a major contributor to heart disease. Low HDL cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

  • Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: Studies have shown that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Increased risk of metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Low HDL cholesterol is one of the components of metabolic syndrome.

Prevention

There are several lifestyle changes that can help increase HDL cholesterol levels, such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and not smoking. However, certain supplements may also be helpful in raising HDL cholesterol levels.

Tikva has 6 nutrients that
help increase HDL (Good) cholesterol

Below are clinical trials and research on these nutrients.

1. Citrus Bergamot https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6497409

In a study involving 237 participants, taking bergamot at doses of 500 mg or 1,000 mg daily for three months showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels. Specifically, total cholesterol decreased by 20% with 500 mg and 30.9% with 1,000 mg of bergamot. LDL (bad cholesterol) levels dropped by 23% with 500 mg and 38.6% with 1,000 mg. HDL (good cholesterol) increased by 25.9% with 500 mg and 39% with 1,000 mg.

Additionally, 32 people who previously had issues with statin side effects were given 1,500 mg of bergamot daily. After stopping statins for two months and then taking bergamot for 30 days, their total cholesterol dropped by 25% and LDL by 27.6%, without the side effects associated with statins. These findings suggest that bergamot can effectively reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and potentially triglycerides, without causing statin-related side effects.

2. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) https://www.verywellhealth.com

Pantethine is derived from Vitamin B5 in the body. 

In several large dose studies, researchers found significant improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides levels. They observed a decrease in total cholesterol of 12%, HDL (good) cholesterol increase by 17%, LDL (bad) cholesterol decreased between 4-20%, and triglycerides decreased by 14%

3. Coenzyme Q10 https://www.clevelandheartlab.com

Several studies on CoQ10 supplementation show that it significantly increases HDL levels even in people taking statins, and may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It was shown to lower inflammatory biomarkers like high C-reactive proteins.

Patients with low CoQ10 levels had more tissue damage to their hearts during heart attacks and strokes, showing that CoQ10 acts a protective device for the heart.

4. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) https://www.mayoclinic.org

Niacin is a B vitamin that your body uses to turn food into energy. It helps to keep your nervous system, digestive system and your skin healthy.

Niacin in large doses has been shown to lower triglycerides by as much as 25% and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by more than 30%.

5. Chromium https://www.sciencedirect.com/

In a meta-analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes that supplemented with chromium, researchers found a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and a large increase in HDL levels.

6. Nitrosigine (L-Arginine) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In a study on L-arginine and its effects on lipid profiles, scientists observed a significant increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. The LDL to HDL ratio improved significantly as well.

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