INCREASE YOUR CEC(Cholesterol Efflux Capacity)
Okay, it is a little more complicated than that. But one thing is clear, the ability to remove cholesterol, called efflux capacity, is critical.
Scientists at Big Pharma are looking for all sorts of new drugs to improve CEC. Following are few very effective natural stuff for the same:
Berberine– One of my favorite phytonutrients. Berberine has been studied for hundreds of years. Berberine can inhibit foam cell formation inside of blood vessels. In a recent mouse model study, berberine was found to increase oxLDL uptake and cholesterol efflux, thus suppressing foam cell formation.
Silymarin– Silymarin is a liver-protective mixture of flavonolignans and flavonoids extracted from the seeds of milk thistle. A recent study investigated the effects of major bioactive constituents from silymarin, on the expression of ABCA1, an important cholesterol efflux transporter. Four of the studied compounds in silymarin were found to significantly induce ABCA1 protein expression, thus CEC.
Ginger– To assess the impact of ginger extract in stimulating the production of quality HDL and the cholesterol efflux in the small intestine, 3 groups of hamsters were studied. Ginger administration increased CEC and was associated with the reduction of aortic valve lipid-deposits. Reversal of valvular disease! This is huge.
Curcumin– A bioactive polyphenol, is a yellow pigment of the Curcuma longa (turmeric) plant. Curcumin has many pharmacologic effects including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Protective properties of curcumin may influence HDL functionality. A recent review concluded that curcumin may modulate markers of HDL function, such as apo-AI, CETP, LCAT, PON1, MPO activities and levels. Curcumin may subsequently improve conditions in which HDL is dysfunctional and may have potential as a therapeutic drug in future.
Resveratrol- A polyphenolic constituent of red wine, it is known for its anti-atherogenic properties and is thought to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Investigators looked at the relationship between the antioxidant effects of resveratrol and its ability to promote cholesterol efflux. Resveratrol appears to be a natural antioxidant that enhances cholesterol efflux. These properties make it a potential natural antioxidant that could be used to prevent and treat CVD, according to study authors.
Cholesterol efflux by HDL from plaque may be a key factor in heart attack prevention and coronary artery blockage reversal.
