Posted on 1st Dec 2011 @ 1:17 PM

Product Description

Cholestat Naturally Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels 
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is within everyone's control—it is a matter of making healthy choices. Cholestat can be a one of those healthy choices. Cholestat contains scientifically-proven ingredients which work together synergistically to promote healthy cholesterol levels. The synergy is a result of combining ingredients which support various mechanisms to help control cholesterol build-up such as regulating cholesterol synthesis, preventing choles- terol transportation to the arteries and re- ducing inflammation which increases plaque build-up. In addition, Cholestat also contains powerful antioxidant compounds which help control oxidation of LDL and therefore reduce plaque formation on the arteries. Regular use of Cholestat can be a first defense in maintaining healthy choles- terol levels and improving your heart health.

The bad news—the leading cause of death in the United States is cardiovascular disease (CVD). The good news—CVD is preventable. By reducing behavior that puts a higher strain on the cardiovascular system, such as smoking, heavy drinking and stress and increasing behavior that is good for the heart such as good diet choices and regular exercise, the risk of CVD can be significantly decreased. Early CVD is characterized by atherosclerosis, the formation of plaques within the arterial walls that interfere with coronary and cerebral circulation. The leading cause of atherosclerosis is hyperlipidemia, the elevation of lipids in the blood, most often due to diet and lifestyle. One of these lipids is cholesterol, which due to its insolubility in the blood, is transported around the body in by two different lipoproteins—Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it transports cholesterol to the arteries, which when oxidized, causes the formation of plaques on the arterial walls. HDL is referred to as “good” cholesterol because it carriers cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it is removed. Healthy liver metabolism is essential for cholesterol removal. Fortunately, there are many vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients that help reduce LDL, raise HDL levels and promote a healthy liver. A health strategy which includes these ingredients, a proper diet and increased exercise can cut your risk for CVD, heart attack and stroke.

Research Supporting the Ingredients in Cholestat

The information below highlights some of the scientific evidence supporting the use of ingredients found in Cholestat for support of healthy cholesterol levels and liver metabolism. The ingredients can help reduce LDL cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol and maintain healthy liver metabolism. Cholestat was formulated and designed by a board-certified cardiologist specializing in metabolism and nutritional cardiology for over 30 years.    The following material is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as making any claim for the product or for the amount of any ingredient used. We hope you enjoy the information presented, along with the cited studies, to increase your knowledge of these natural substances.

Phytosterols are a mixture of plant sterols (phytosterols) such as beta sitosterol. Phytosterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol, which therefore allows them to compete with the cholesterol for transportation. More than 50 years of research has proven that phytosterols are highly effective in lowering cholesterol levels in animals. Numerous human studies have also shown positive effect of plant sterols in humans. A recent review by Mayo Clinic review concluded that increased consumption of plant sterols lowered LDL levels by 20%.1 Combining soy lecithin with phytosterols may further reduce cholesterol absorption.

Green Tea Extract contains naturally-occurring antioxidant compounds called polyphenols. Green tea’s cardioprotective properties are well established. A monograph2 on Green Tea lists numerous studies linking green tea to lowering LDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides while elevating HDL levels and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Green tea also inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which prevents certain enzymes in the body from constricting blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger.

Guggul Extract is derived from the gum resin of the guggul tree, which grows in the dry regions of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years to treat a number of disorders, including inflammation and lipid disorders. Studies have shown that the active compounds found in guggul, such as guggulsterone, are antagonist ligands for the bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which is an important regulator of cholesterol homeostasis.3 In a recent in vitro study, guggul and guggulsterone was shown to significantly inhibit LDL oxidation.4

Gynostemma Extract (Jiao Gu Lan) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for elevated cholesterol. Animal studies show both an anti-hyperlipidemia effect as well as a hypoglycemic effect.5

Medicinal mushrooms have also been used in Traditional Chinese medicine to promote health and longevity, lower the risk of cancer and heart disease and boost the immune system. Mushrooms with specific research for cardiovascular health provide various mechanisms to help lower cholesterol. Maitake alters lipid metabolism by inhibiting both the accumulation of liver lipids and the elevation of serum lipids,6 Reishi inhibits cholesterol synthesis,7 and Cordyceps prevents cholesterol deposition in the aorta by inhibition of LDL oxidation via an antioxidant mechanism.8

Policosanols are a mixture of fatty alcohols derived from the waxes of such plants as sugar cane and yams, as well as beeswax. These powerful natural substances have been linked to significantly lowering LDL and increasing HDL, in some cases with as little as 5-10 mg per day.9, 10 One study suggests Policosanols may also reduce platelet aggregation, endothelial damage as well as decrease total cholesterol and LDL.11 Another study demonstrated policosanol to be a suitable alternative to Lovastatin for managing patients with intermittent claudication, a cramping sensation in the legs resulting from severe atherosclerotic disease of the peripheral vascular system. The study also showed significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL levels, as well as increases in HDL levels. In addition, while Lovastatin has adverse side effects, Policosanol has none.12
 

Red Yeast Rice has been used in China for centuries as both food and medicine. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast over red rice. Red yeast rice forms naturally occurring hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) inhibitors. HMG-CoA reductase is necessary for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. As a result, the medicinal properties of red yeast rice favorably impact lipid profiles of hypercholesterolemic patients.13

Vitamin supplementation plays a crucial role in lowering LDL levels and reducing risk of heart disease. In addition to their antioxidant activity, a combination of Vitamin E and C has shown positive results in decreasing carotid artery IMT (intima-media thickness), a marker of early atherosclerosis.14 Niacin (Vitamin B3) has been used for decades to lower the plasma concentrations of cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides in humans, and in addition it can raise levels of the protective high density lipoprotein by up to 35%.15 Recent research suggests niacin’s antiinflammatory properties also helps in reducing atherosclerosis.16 A combination of the B Vitamins, Vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12, aids the body in processing homocysteine, an amino acid-like compound that, at elevated levels, increases the risk for heart disease.

CHOLESTAT 120 COUNT

SUGGESTED USE: 2 CAPS, 2 TIMES PER DAY WITH MEALS, OR AS DIRECTED.

120 CAPSULES PER BOTTLE.                   SERVINGS PER BOTTLE:  60

OTHER INGREDIENTS:  Rice bran, gelatin (capsule), montmorillonite clay, Thai polysaccharide rice.

*  %DV (Daily Value) not established

Refrences

1. Katan MB, et al. Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels.2003. Mayo Clin Proc. 78 (8):965-78.
2. Natural Products Research Institute. Green Tea Monograph. www.naturalproducts.org.
3. Urizar NL, GUGULIPID: a natural cholesterol-lowering agent.2003. Annu Rev Nut.23:303-13.
4. Wang X, et al. The hypolipidemic natural product Commiphora mukul and its component guggulsterone inhibit oxidative modification of LDL. 2004. Atherosclerosis. Feb;172(2):239-46
5. Megalli S, et al. Anti-hyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the Zucker fatty rat. 2006. J Pharm Pharm Sci.9(3):281-91.
6. Kubo K, et al. The effect of maitake mushrooms on liver and serum lipids. 1996. Altern Ther Health Med. Sep;2(5):62-6.
7. Hajjaj H, et al. Effect of 26-oxygenosterols from Ganoderma lucidum and their activity as cholesterol synthesis inhibitors. 2005. Appl Environ Microbiol. Jul;71(7):3653-8.
8. Yamaguchi Y, et al. Inhibitory effects of water extracts from fruit- ing bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on raised serum lipid perox- ide levels and aortic cholesterol deposition in atherosclerotic mice. 2000. Phytother Res.Dec;14(8):650-2.
9. Menendez R, et al. Effects of policosanol treatment on the suscepti- bility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) isolated from healthy volun- teers to oxidative modification in vitro.2000. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 50, 3:255-62.
10. Mas R, et al. Long-term effects of policosanl on obese patients with Type II hypercholesterolemia. 2004. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 13, Suppl.:S102.
11. Varady KA, et al. Role of policosanols in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. 2003. Nutr Rev. 61, 11:376-83.
12. Castano G, et al. Effects of policosanol and lovastatin in patients with intermittent claudication: a double-blind comparative pilot study. 2003. Angiology. Jan;54(1):25-38.
13. Thorne Research, Monascus purpureus (red yeast rice) - Mono- graph. 2004. Altern Med Rev. Jun;9(2):208-210.
14. Salonen RM, et al. Six-year effect of combined vitamin C and E supplementation on atherosclerotic progression: the Antioxidant Supplementation in Atherosclerosis Prevention (ASAP) Study.2003. Circulation. 107, 7:947-53.
15. Toth, P. High-Density Lipoprotein and Cardiovascular Risk. 2004. Circulation. 109:1809-1812.
16. Yu BL, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect is an important property of niacin on atherosclerosis beyond its lipid-altering effects. 2007. Med Hypotheses. Jan 17; [Epub ahead of print].