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A research team from the Sookmyung Women’s University, in Korea, investigated the effects of hawthorn extract on lipid levels.
For the trial, some mice were given 100mg of hawthorn extract, others were given 200mg of hawthorn extract, and some were given none.
The hawthorn groups “showed a significant decrease” in low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
What’s LDL?
Heart UK, the cholesterol charity, explained low-density lipoprotein is known as “bad cholesterol”.
This is because too much of LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to vital organs.
If the arteries are completely clogged up by LDL cholesterol, then blood flow to the brain can be halted, leading to a stroke.
HDL cholesterol
There’s another type of cholesterol called high-density lipoprotein which is often called “good cholesterol”.
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This is because it contains lots of protein, and very little cholesterol, and is responsible for carrying excess cholesterol to the liver to be broken down by the body.
Once cholesterol is broken down in the liver, it can removed from the body.
The study also revealed that triglyceride levels were also reduced in the hawthorn group.
What are triglycerides?
Heart UK said triglycerides are “another type of blood fat that enter the bloodstream after a meal”.
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They’re packaged into lipoproteins, along with cholesterol, and can be used by the cells as energy.
However, high triglyceride levels in the blood warrant medical examination.
This is because raised triglyceride levels can add to a person’s “risk of developing heart disease”.
What is hawthorn extract?
Hawthorn extract is a type of berry that grows on trees and shrubs belonging to the Crataegus genus, said Healthline.
Hawthorn berries have a “tart, tangy taste and mild sweetness” that range in colour from yellow to black.
It’s said to be “loaded with antioxidants”, which has been associated with numerous health benefits.
For example, antioxidants are linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, asthma and some cancers.
Research also suggests that hawthorn berries may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
“Very few side effects have been reported from taking hawthorn berry,” clarified Healthline.
In addition, you can add hawthorn berries to your diet in various ways, as well as supplementation form.
For instance, they can be eaten raw as a snack, or made into a jam, pie filling or syrup.
Hawthorn berry is also available to drink as a tea, so there’s lot of options to choose from.
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