Artichoke May Lower Cholesterol
In study sponsored by Lichtwer Pharma, a German manufacturer of herbal supplements, UK researchers found that a preparation of artichoke leaf extract helped decrease cholesterol levels in healthy adults with raised cholesterol levels.
Plasma total cholesterol levels dropped on average 4.2 per cent and increased by 1.9 per cent among the control group, making a 6.1 per cent differential.
These results were observed in test subjects who were given four 320mg Lichtwer Pharma-branded (Cynara) supplements per day for 12 weeks. Seems to be a lot, for so little an effect, but hey, every little bit counts, and who knows what the effects may be if one continues to take the supplements for extended periods?
According to the researchers,
“This study provides further evidence that ALE may help reduce plasma total cholesterol in adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. It is suggested that the type and amount of extract used, in addition to the apparent positive health status of the study population, may have affected the observed magnitude of this response.”
For further reading, you may want to read the manuscript published in Phytomedicine, doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2008.03.001.
Photo: from Nutricenter
That’s an interesting study. Like you said it seems like a lot for such a little return, but it is better than nothing. I’d like to see more research performed on consumption of natural artichoke, as opposed to the extract supplement form. Thanks for finding this.
I’d rather just eat artichokes everyday. I could live on artichokes.
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Great article. I find it interesting that the taste I dislike the MOST in the world might be the best for you! Guess I’ll just stick with my running regime instead!
Another good improvement for lowered cholesterol is choosing foods with mono-unsaturated fats and poly-unsaturated fats (like nuts and oily fish)!
Check out http://www.onehealthylifestyle.com/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-recipes.aspx for more information!
I must admit that I never knew artichoke could lower cholesterol. Great and informative article.