Policosanol Benefits
Policosanol is an alternative treatment for patients with high cholesterol that has been studied extensively in Cuba. If possible, patients with high cholesterol looking for alternative treatments should try and regulate their cholesterol by first manipulating their diet. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to create a meal plan that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain cereals, while eliminating the foods in your diet that are high in saturated fats. If your doctor is recommending statins or other prescription medication, you can suggest policosanol as an alternative
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What is Policosanol?
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Policosanol is derived from natural sources and can be found in sugarcane wax, beeswax and rice bran wax. According to Joyce Keithley, DNSc, RN, FAAN and professor of adult health nursing at Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago, policosanol is a mixture of different primary aliphatic alcohols. It is a natural remedy that can be found at health food stores. The benefits of policosanol are lower cholesterol levels, inhibited platelet aggregation, prevention of LDL oxidation and overall reduced risk of atherosclerosis with relatively no side effects.
Policosanol Benefits: Platelet Aggregation
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Policosanol inhibits platelet aggregation, according to studies conducted by the Departamento de Farmacología in Havana, Cuba. Clinical trial participants were administered doses of policosanol that were successively increased over a period of 21 days. The first dosage was 10 mg, and the last dosage was 40 mg. Results showed that policosanol significantly inhibits platelet aggregation during the last dosage.
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Policosanol Benefits: Improves Blood Cholesterol
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Research conducted in Cuba shows that policosanol improves all measures of blood cholesterol. It elevates your HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and decreases levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). It also lowers triglyceride levels and the ratios of LDL to HDL.
Policosanol Benefits: Prevents LDL Oxidation
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Policosanol prevents LDL oxidation. When LDL is oxidized in the bloodstream, often caused by free radicals, it causes the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in critical areas of the body such as the heart and brain. Free radicals are atoms that have an odd number of electrons; they take electrons from otherwise stable molecules causing cell damage. This artery-clogging plaque can lead to serious health problems including debilitating heart attacks and strokes.
Policosanol Benefits: Free from Side Effects
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Policosanol is relatively free from side effects, unlike prescription medications that treat high cholesterol. Statin medications, traditionally used to treat high cholesterol, can cause side effects including headaches, gastrointestinal upset, rash, and aches in muscles and joints. Toxicity studies from Cuba show that doses administered to animals at levels more than 1,000 times the recommended dosage are not toxic.
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