subject: Advantages of using Policosanol [print this page] When sugarcane wax, beeswax and yam are refined, a mixture of alcohols is isolated. This is called Policosanol. Poli' indicates that there are a number of alcohols, the most predominant among them being octacosanol (60%). Others are hexacosanol and triacontanol in smaller doses. The importance of Policosanol stems from the fact that it has been proven to considerably lower the levels of total cholesterol in the body, by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) without noticeable side effects.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced in the liver necessary for cell membrane formation. It is also absorbed from foods that we eat. The cholesterol is carried by lipids or fat globules through the blood. There are two types of lipoproteins which help in this transport the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The former is also considered bad' because it forms a lining in the blood vessels, thereby thickening them and leading to blockages and coronary disease. The latter is the good cholesterol as it helps to carry away the cholesterol from the arteries to the liver from where it can be broken down and disposed. It therefore is good to have high levels of HDL and low levels of LDL.
Studies have been done on a group of 22 people with high cholesterol. Half the group were administered Policosanol and the other half given placebo capsules. After two years of taking 10mg daily, the patients with Policosanol had a marked decrease of 18% in total cholesterol and 25% decrease in LDL. In addition, they showed an increase of 21% of HDL. This has encouraged the use of Policosanol as an alternative to commercially sold prescription drugs.
Advantages of using Policosanol
Policosanol has been shown to reduce the thickening of the arteries due to cholesterol much in the same way as statins do, and thus, help in free flow of blood. Patients of Policosanol have shown reduced LDL of 24% as compared to the statin drug Mevacor at 22%.
Heart attacks and strokes are the result of high levels of LDL and low levels of HDL. Policosanol helps in reversing this trend. It has the property of inhibiting the formation of clots and reducing platelet aggregation.
It is safe for menopausal women and has shown very little side effects as compared to its statin equivalents. Since there is no viable carbohydrate value to Policosanol, it does not have any adverse effect on people with diabetes.
A number of studies have proven the safety of the use of Policosanol. Minor side effects like headaches, skin rashes, dizziness and weight loss have been reported.
Policosanol is the emerging trend in fighting cholesterol the natural way. However I would recommend that you Hold Off On taking it until You Know The Whole Story About Its Effectiveness the 1 Secret Tip To Avoid a Common Mistake. Please read this Doctor's Special Report at http://TheCholesterolBlog.info/week1/PolicosanolAndCholesterol to find out more.
