Understanding Citrus Bergamot
Buyer's Guide to Citrus Bergamot: Benefits for Cholesterol and Heart Health
Written by : Jonathan Green Medically Review by: Dr. Gerald Haase, MD
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely noticed the growing popularity of Citrus Bergamot for heart health and cholesterol. This article will provide the essential information you need to evaluate different Citrus Bergamot supplements and their potential benefits.
Through extensive research, I’ve found significant differences between the fruit itself and the final products on the market. Since your heart health is crucial, it’s important to invest time in researching and selecting the right product to ensure you’re making the best choice for your well-being.
Citrus bergamot, derived from the bergamot orange, is gaining popularity for its remarkable benefits in supporting cholesterol levels and heart health. This guide provides an overview of these benefits and key information to help you make an informed purchase.
Understanding Citrus Bergamot
Citrus bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is a citrus fruit primarily grown in the Calabria region of Italy, where the unique soil and climate conditions create the ideal environment for producing the highest quality fruit. Buying Citrus bergamot from any other region risks compromising efficacy and quality because the specific combination of factors that contribute to the potency of the fruit’s bioactive compounds may not be present elsewhere. The health benefits of Citrus bergamot, particularly its ability to support cardiovascular health, regulate cholesterol levels, and provide antioxidant protection, are largely due to these bioactive compounds.
What is BPF?
Citrus bergamot extract is commonly available in supplement form and is standardized to contain a specific amount of polyphenolic compounds, known as Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF). BPF is a crucial measure of the active compounds in bergamot extract, ensuring a consistent and potent dose with each supplement. However, it’s important to note that lower-quality sources may not meet these rigorous standards, resulting in supplements that lack the necessary potency to deliver many of the sought-after health benefits.
Key Components of BPF
BPF is composed of five primary polyphenolic compounds, each contributing to the overall effectiveness of citrus bergamot. These components include:
- Melitidin: Helps keep cholesterol levels in check, similar to how certain cholesterol-lowering drugs work. It reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, which helps lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.
- Brutieridin: Works alongside Melitidin to balance cholesterol levels. It not only reduces cholesterol production but also fights inflammation, which is beneficial for the heart.
- Naringin: A type of flavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. It helps protect cells from damage and reduces inflammation, supporting overall heart health.
- Neohesperidin: Another flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells and boosting the immune system. It also helps blood vessels function better, which can aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
- Neoeriocitrin: An antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to heart disease. It supports blood vessel health and helps prevent the hardening of arteries.
Melitidin and Brutieridin are the two most important compounds in citrus bergamot for cholesterol management. They help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the following ways:
- Cholesterol Production Blockers: Both compounds block a key enzyme the liver uses to produce cholesterol, similar to how some cholesterol-lowering drugs work. This reduces the liver’s cholesterol production, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
- Inflammation Fighters: They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the arteries. This is important because inflammation can lead to heart disease.
Together, Melitidin and Brutieridin offer a natural way to manage cholesterol levels and support heart health, similar to cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins, but without the side effects.
Benefits for Cholesterol and Heart Health
Citrus bergamot has been extensively studied for its impact on cholesterol and heart health. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reduces LDL Cholesterol: Clinical trials have shown that citrus bergamot can significantly lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.
- Increases HDL Cholesterol: Bergamot extract helps raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol, which is essential for heart health.
- Supports Triglyceride Levels: Regular intake of citrus bergamot can help maintain healthy triglyceride levels, further promoting cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidant Protection: The high polyphenol content in bergamot provides potent antioxidant protection, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are risk factors for heart disease.
- Improves Arterial Health: Bergamot extract can enhance the health of arteries by promoting better blood flow and reducing arterial stiffness.
Clinical Evidence
There are over 25 clinical published trials supporting the efficacy of citrus bergamot in improving cholesterol profiles and supporting heart health. These studies consistently demonstrate the positive effects of bergamot extract in managing cholesterol levels, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, and improving overall heart health.
Key Term & Label Clarifications
- Citrus Bergamia: The scientific or botanical name of the fruit, used in more formal contexts such as botanical, agricultural, or scientific literature.
- Bergamonte® Full Spectrum: The same as Citrus Bergamia, but with a registered name and 8% more Pectin and Vitamin C in the extract.
- The 200:1 and 25:1 ratios show how much raw citrus bergamot is used to make the extract. Higher ratios, like 200:1, provide the highest level of BPF (47%), while a 150-1 ratio creates 38% BPF, and lower ratios, like 25:1, mean less BPF (non-published) and far less citrus bergamot being used. Sometimes, vendors use these ratios to hide a low BPF percentage. In a nutshell, the BPF is where you get all the heart health benefits, a higher ratio provides superior benefits and a better bang for your buck overall.
- Total Polyphenols: The highest BPF percentage is 47%, made up of the 5 key polyphenols. Companies may list total polyphenols, which includes the BPF and all other polyphenols in the citrus bergamot. While all polyphenols may have benefits, the BPF is the most important percentage to consider.
How to Choose the Best Quality Citrus Bergamot Supplement
“Beware of brands utilizing a green lumpy fruit on the bottle or in the advertising!
It is a Kaffir Lime not a Citrus Bergamot. I cannot verify whether they are utilizing Citrus Bergamot or not, but if they cannot even put the correct picture of the fruit, how can you rely on anything else.”
When purchasing a citrus bergamot supplement, consider the following tips:
- Check BPF Content: Ensure the product specifies the BPF percentage, ideally between 38% and 47%. The higher the BPF percentage, the better. This is especially important in the Melitidin and Brutieridin concentration, because these compounds are crucial for effective cholesterol management.
- Purity and Quality: Look for products that guarantee high purity and quality. Citrus Bergamot is a relatively expensive ingredient, and most products priced below $22 tend to be of lower quality.
- Daily Dosage: The dosage should be at least 1000mg. There are clinical trials showing dosages of 1200-1350mg can be more effective and generally have only positive side effects.
- Customer Reviews and Reputation: Positive customer reviews and a strong reputation can indicate product reliability and effectiveness. Reviews can offer valuable insights into the real-world benefits and potential drawbacks of the product.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting any new supplement, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
- Source and Origin: Opt for products sourced from regions known for high-quality citrus bergamot, such as Calabria in Italy. This region is renowned for its superior bergamot.
- Look for Standardized Extracts: Choose supplements that are standardized for consistent potency and sourced from the Calabria region in Italy.
- Extraction Method: Products that use cold-pressed extraction retain more of the natural benefits of bergamot oil compared to those that use chemical extraction methods.
- Clinical Research and Proven Benefits: Look for products backed by clinical research that demonstrates their effectiveness in areas such as cholesterol management, cardiovascular health, and metabolic syndrome.
- Third-Party Testing: Third-party testing ensures the product’s potency, purity, and safety, providing an added layer of trust and reliability.
- Concentration of Active Compounds: The effectiveness of citrus bergamot supplements often depends on the concentration of active compounds, such as flavonoids. A higher concentration can offer better health benefits.
- Non-GMO and Allergen-Free: For health-conscious consumers, products that are non-GMO and free from common allergens (like gluten, dairy, and soy) are preferable.
- Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Companies that practice sustainability and ethical sourcing help preserve the environment and support fair trade practices, which can be important to socially conscious consumers.
Top Choices of Citrus Bergamot
Here are my top choices for the best brands of Citrus Bergamot.
- BPF Concentration: Contains 47% Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF) and 80% total polyphenols.
- Higher Dosages: 1000mg to 1350mg.
- Several Product SKU’s: Price and consumer choices.
- Purity and Quality: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
- Source and Origin: Sourced from high-quality regions, likely Calabria.
- Doctor Recommended: Sold and recommended by doctors.
- Clinical Research: Supported by multiple clinical studies for its cardiovascular benefits.
- Third-Party Testing: Ensures product potency and purity.
- BPF Concentration: Contains 47% Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF).
- Purity and Quality: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free.
- Doctor Recommended: Sold and recommended by doctors.
- Source and Origin: Sourced from high-quality bergamot, likely Calabria.
- Clinical Research: Proven benefits for cardiovascular health and cholesterol management.
- Third-Party Testing: Ensures product potency and safety.
- BPF Concentration: Contains 47% Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF).
- Purity and Quality: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Source and Origin: Sourced from high-quality Italian bergamot.
- Doctor Recommended: Formulated and sold by doctors.
- Clinical Research: Backed by studies for its cardiovascular benefits.
- Third-Party Testing: Ensures product quality and purity.
- BPF Concentration: Contains 38% Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF).
- Purity and Quality: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Source and Origin: Sourced from high-quality Italian bergamot.
- Clinical Research: Supported by research for cardiovascular benefits.
- Third-Party Testing: Ensures product potency and purity.
- BPF Concentration: Contains 38% polyphenols, which includes the key polyphenols making up the BPF.
- Purity and Quality: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free.
- Source and Origin: Sourced from high-quality bergamot.
- Clinical Research: Supported by studies for its effectiveness in cholesterol management.
- Third-Party Testing: Ensures product safety and efficacy.
Honorable mentions:
Naomi Citrus Bergamot: Good quality product but only 500mg daily dosage of 38% BPF.
Jarrow Citrus Bergamot: Well-known brand but with only 30% BPF.
Nourishing Nutrients Citrus Bergamot: Good quality product, certified Organic. Slightly misleading as they state 52% polyphenols, which includes the total, not just the 5 that make up the BPF. The actual BPF is not verifiable but likely less than 38%.