Could it Be Nature's Answer to High Cholesterol?
Heart disease is often called "the silent killer."
That’s because it can sneak up without warning — and it’s deadly. In the U.S. alone, nearly 700,000 people die from it every year. That’s about one out of every five deaths.
High cholesterol isn’t the only cause, but it plays a big role. When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can quietly increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Thankfully, we have medicine that can help. The problem is, statins often come with undesirable side effects, like muscle pain.
If statins are leaving you with muscle pain and weakness, it’s time to ask:
What if there were a natural alternative that could help you—without the side effects?
Let me introduce you to a small citrus fruit that’s changing the way people reach healthier cholesterol levels: Citrus bergamot.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What Citrus bergamot is
- What the science says
- How it helps with cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar
- The truth about cholesterol and saturated fat
- Simple habits that support a healthy heart
- How Citrus Bergamot compares to statins
- What to pair it with to get maximal results
This resource could hold the answer you’ve been searching for.
First, Let’s Talk Cholesterol: The Misunderstood Fat
Though cholesterol has a bad reputation, it's actually a type of fat that’s essential to health. Cholesterol is needed to build cells and make hormones — like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.
Your body can make all the cholesterol it needs, with about half coming from the liver and the rest from other cells. So, the real issue isn't the total amount of cholesterol within your body. The real issue is actually how the cholesterol you have goes from one place to another.
Cholesterol moves around your body via particles called lipoproteins, like HDL and LDL:
- HDL ("good cholesterol") returns cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body.
- LDL ("bad cholesterol") and other particles carry cholesterol through your bloodstream.
Here’s the key: these particles that carry your cholesterol through your bloodstream (like LDL) have a protein attached called apo-B. If too many apo-B lipoproteins are circulating in your blood, they can build up in artery walls.
This build up can trigger inflammation. In turn, this inflammation can lead to a hardened or clogged artery — a condition known as atherosclerosis.
Imagine your arteries as highways and the lipoproteins as cars transporting cholesterol. When there are too many cars (apo-B particles), traffic jams and crashes are more likely.
Over time, this restricts blood flow and raises your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.
Today, doctors can measure apo-B levels. This is great, because it gives a more accurate picture of your heart health than just measuring LDL cholesterol alone. Make sure to ask your doctor to check your apo-B levels the next time you get your cholesterol checked via blood test.
Now that you know what's going on inside of your body, you might be wondering: What is Citrus Bergamot and How can Citrus bergamot help lower my LDL cholesterol?
What Is Citrus Bergamot?
Citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a small, sour fruit that grows almost exclusively in Calabria, Italy. There, the climate and soil conditions produce Citrus bergamot rich in the unique polyphenols responsible for its health benefits.
It looks like a cross between a lemon and an orange — and it's most famous for giving Earl Grey tea its distinct aroma.
But inside the peel is something powerful: a complex blend of polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies show these polyphenols and flavonoids support heart health, lower LDL cholesterol, and even help with blood sugar balance.
What the Research Says: Real Results from Real People
Multiple clinical trials have tested citrus bergamot extract in humans. Here’s what they found:
- LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol): Reduced by up to 38% in studies
- Triglycerides (a type of fat found in your blood): Lowered by 30–40%
- HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol): Often increased
- Blood sugar: Modestly improved in people with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes
Note: The most effective doses in studies range from 500–1500 mg/day of citrus bergamot extract, typically standardized to flavonoid content.
How Does Citrus Bergamot Compare to Statins?*
As you can see from this table, the benefits of supplementing with Organic Citrus Bergamot are clear.
Please keep in mind that Citrus Bergamot is supportive of healthy cholesterol levels, not a substitute for statins unless advised by a healthcare professional.
|
Feature |
Statins |
|
|
Lowers LDL |
Yes, up to 39% in some studies |
Yes, 20–60% depending on dose |
|
Raises HDL |
Yes, up to 39% |
Yes, small to moderate increase |
|
Lowers triglycerides |
Yes, up to 40% |
Yes, usually 10–30% |
|
Helps blood sugar |
Some improvement in metabolic syndrome |
May raise blood sugar in some people |
|
Side effects |
Mild (like heartburn) |
Common (muscle pain, fatigue, liver strain) |
|
Lowers CoQ10 |
No |
Yes, may reduce energy levels |
|
Natural or synthetic? |
Natural – from citrus peel |
Synthetic – made in a lab |
|
Needs prescription? |
No – available over the counter |
Yes – requires doctor’s prescription |
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What to Look for in a Citrus Bergamot Supplement
Not all supplements are created equal. If you are looking to buy Citrus Bergamot, look for:
- USDA Certified Organic - p.s. As of right now, Nourishing Nutrients has the only one on the market!
- Standardized extract
- Clinically studied doses (500–1500 mg/day)
- Clean ingredients
- Sourced from Calabria, Italy — where Citrus bergamot naturally grows
- Third-Party Tested
That way, you get what the label says — nothing more, nothing less.
The good news? You don’t have to search any further. Our USDA Certified Organic Citrus Bergamot meets all the standards you’re looking for — purity, potency, and proven results.
Easy Ways to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
At Nourishing Nutrients, we believe supplements should do exactly what their name implies — supplement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
Our USDA-Certified Organic Citrus Bergamot is a powerful tool for supporting heart health, but its benefits are best experienced when paired with consistent, everyday healthy habits.
Here are few bonus tips to focus on if you want to lower your cholesterol:
1. Eat More Fiber
Fiber binds to bile acids in your gut. Since bile is made from cholesterol, your liver then takes cholesterol from your blood to make more bile. This lowers blood cholesterol.
Most Americans eat just 14 grams of fiber daily — but the goal is 25–30 grams. This fiber gap may be contributing to heart disease.
Nutrition Tip: Fiber also enhances the effects of Citrus bergamot’s polyphenols, making it even more effective.
2. Reduce Saturated Fat
Surprisingly, eating cholesterol-rich foods (like eggs) doesn't always increase your cholesterol.
When you eat cholesterol, your body usually makes up for it by making less. But some people — because of their genetics — don’t regulate this balance well, and their cholesterol stays high.
It appears that too much saturated fat in the food you eat is the problem.
Eating too much saturated fat reduces your liver’s ability to clear LDL from the blood.
Some might argue that saturated fat mostly raises large LDL particles, which are less harmful than the small ones. However, the total number of particles still matters.
Think of it this way: if more “cars” (apo-B particles) are on the “highway” (your bloodstream), there’s a higher chance of a traffic jam — or in this case, plaque buildup in your arteries.
Fewer cars mean smoother flow and a lower risk of blockages that can lead to heart disease.
More LDL = more “traffic” = higher chance of artery damage.
3. Choose Healthy Fats Instead
Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats and omega-3s from foods like fatty fish, olive oil, and avocado. These help break the cycle and reduce LDL levels.
Nutrition Tip: Focus on what to ADD, not what to cut. Adding fiber, healthy fats, and colorful veggies makes healthy eating feel enjoyable, not restrictive.
In fact, if you're looking for a heart healthy dish, check out this mouth-watering Cajun Salmon recipe from our site!
4. Add Fish Eggs
Rich in omega-3s, choline, and phospholipids, wild fish eggs support inflammation balance, cholesterol levels, and brain health.
→ Try our Wild Caught Fish Eggs, sourced directly from New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best dosage?
Most studies use 500–1500 mg/day. We recommend starting with 1 capsule (500 mg) and increasing to 2 or 3 depending on your needs. Please always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Can I take Citrus Bergamot with medications?
It’s generally safe, but if you’re on statins, blood pressure meds, or blood sugar meds, check with your doctor first. In fact, if you're on any medication, please consult a healthcare professional before taking Citrus Bergamot.
How long does it take to see results?
You may see changes in cholesterol within 4–8 weeks. Blood sugar changes may take longer.
Is it safe long term?
Yes — studies show it’s well-tolerated for 6 months or more. There’s no known toxicity at recommended doses.
What's the difference between Citrus Bergamot and other cholesterol supplements?
Unlike red yeast rice or niacin, Citrus Bergamot doesn't deplete CoQ10 or cause flushing. It works on multiple pathways at once — and helps metabolic health, not just cholesterol.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Support Your Heart
If you're looking for a natural, science-backed way to lower cholesterol and support heart health, our USDA-Certified Organic Citrus Bergamot is one of the best options available.
And when you combine it with omega-rich Wild Caught Fish Eggs, fiber, and a low-sugar/saturated fat diet — you're giving your body the support it needs to thrive.
→ For supplements you can trust, check out our USDA Certified Organic Citrus Bergamot, sourced directly from Calabria Italy and our Wild-Caught Fish Eggs from New Zealand.
Your heart will thank you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
References
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). FastStats – Leading Causes of Death.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm -
Mollace V, Sacco I, Janda E, et al. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: From animal models to human studies. Fitoterapia. 2011;82(3):309–316.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.10.014 -
Sniderman A, Langlois M, Cobbaert C. Update on apolipoprotein B. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2021;32(4):226–230.
https://doi.org/10.1097/MOL.0000000000000754
PMID: 33870931 -
Toth PP, Patti AM, Nikolic D, et al. Bergamot reduces plasma lipids, atherogenic small dense LDL, and subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia: A 6-month prospective study. Front Pharmacol. 2016;6:299.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00299
PMCID: PMC4702027 -
Nauman MC, Johnson JJ. Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers. Integr Food Nutr Metab. 2019;6(2):10.15761/IFNM.1000249.
https://doi.org/10.15761/IFNM.1000249
PMCID: PMC6497409 -
Fogacci F, Giovannini M, Imbalzano E, et al. Metabolic and vascular effect of a new standardized bergamot phytocomplex: A three-arm, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Arch Med Sci. 2023;19(5):1228–1235.
https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms/163368 -
Antoni R. Dietary saturated fat and cholesterol: cracking the myths around eggs and cardiovascular disease. J Nutr Sci. 2023;12:e97.
https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2023.82
PMID: 37706071; PMCID: PMC10495817
