The research, published in the Diseases journal in 2017, says: “In another meta-analysis which included 23 randomised control trials, it was observed that an isoflavone-rich (a type of flavonoid) diet results a great decrease in plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and a concomitant (naturally occurring) increase in high-density lipoprotein, while tablets based on extracted isoflavones showed no effect on these parameters.
“Furthermore, the administration of bergamot fruits extract rich in neoeriocitrin, naringin, neohesperidin, melitidin and brutieridin (all types of flavonoid), for 30 days, to patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia, resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, of triglyceride levels and an increase of high density lipoprotein.”
The study concludes that flavonoids could help prevent atherosclerosis – the thickening and hardening of arteries that is often caused by high cholesterol.
“Flavonoids may be relevant in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related disorders as they act as antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic and antidiabetic agents,” it says.
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