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Nutrition Information |
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Policosinol and Cholesterol Reduction
The word cholesterol has become synonymous with poor health. Indeed, one does not typically hear the word used, or see it printed, unless it points to yet another distressing fact -- that high cholesterol is the number one factor for coronary heart disease, and the number one cause of heart attacks[i]. However, cholesterol is, in itself, not a negative thing. On the contrary, cholesterol plays a vital role in forming cell membranes, regulating hormones, insulating nerves, and more. The problem with cholesterol therefore lays not in cholesterol itself, but the amount of cholesterol present in the bloodstream. For most Americans who talk and read about this subject, the scenario almost always involves too much cholesterol, or the condition known as hypercholesterolemia. When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it cannot easily dissolve, and thus cannot effectively be transported to cells by the carrier called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This can create a build-up of LDL cholesterol (a.k.a. "bad cholesterol"), and start to interfere with arteries that transport blood to the heart and brain. Both a stroke and a heart attack are the most severe manifestations of LDL cholesterol build-up, and the main reason why so many people are seeking ways to reduce the LDL build-up in their bloodstream[ii]. However, reducing cholesterol has been fraught with challenges. Though reducing or eliminating certain foods from diet is a necessary first step for most individuals, some who suffer from hypercholesterolemia require medical interventions to immediately begin lowering their risk of heart attack or stroke. As such, dozens of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are currently on the market, and while some people have experienced relief due to their use, there are side effects that cause concern, including nausea, diarrhea, muscle tenderness, and increased liver enzymes[iii]. The out-of-pocket costs of these statin drugs can also be cost prohibitive for those not covered by a comprehensive drug plan. However, a natural product called policosinol is generating an unusual amount of attention - both positive and negative - from the medical community in light of its purported cholesterol lowering capacity. Derived from the wax of sugarcanes and honeybees, policosinol is said by some to reduce cholesterol, offer no known side effects, be safe in high doses, increase blood flow, reduce platelet clumps, and prevent atherosclerosis (plaque buildup on the artery walls)[iv]. Studies have been conducted on policosinol efficacy, and there is some empirical research evidence that supports it as a high LDL cholesterol remedy. A 2002 study by researchers at the University of Bonn reviewed 60 clinical trials involving 3000 patients, and concluded with cautious optimism that policosinol is a promising alternative to cholesterol lowering stain drugs, and thus warrants further study[v]. However, those poised to buy policosinol and lower their cholesterol should approach with caution; and this is the message voiced by those who are less than enthusiastic about the policosinol's emergence as something of a wonder cure. Though a natural remedy and thus far not causing the side effects associated with statin drugs, those skeptical about policosinol quickly point out that it is not an FDA approved drug. As such, it has not been subjected to the rigorous testing that comes with approving a new drug, including supervised preclinical trials and standardized testing in successively larger population of people. The fact that the FDA approves 1 out of 5000, or .0002 of the applications that it receives for new drug approval, is an indication of how highly valued - and rare - this approval is. However, this instigates another debate - whether the FDA approval process is the most appropriate way to accept drugs into drug plans, and whether doctors should be permitted to prescribe non-FDA-approved drugs without undue concerns for malpractice lawsuits. Indeed, an MD may have personally benefited from a natural remedy like policosinol, but to prescribe that to a patient requires more support than personal preference, or even personal testimony. And it is the intersection of these two separate debates -- whether policosinol works or not, and whether the FDA approval process is fair or not - that the situation, and verdict on policosinol, currently lies. This debate is frustrating to all sides; including patients themselves, who simply want a real solution. However, despite these frustrations, the fact that efforts are being undertaken to develop - or verify - a remedy that is safe, complete, and free of side-effects - is a step in the right direction. Additional research on policosinol will further clarify whether that step should be towards FDA approval, or towards a warning label. ABOUT PROTICA Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com REFERENCES [i] Source: "Heart Mender". CNN.Com. http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/americasbest/science.medicine/pro.pridker.html [ii] Source: "Cholesterol". American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4488 [iii] Source: "Statin Medications: What are the Side Effects?". Mayoclinic.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=AN00587 [iv] Source: "Policosinol ". Wholehealthmd.com. http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10127,00.html [v] Source: "Policosinol : clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent". Gouni-Berthold I, Berthold HK. Am Heart J. 2002 Feb;143(2):356-65. Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
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MORE RESOURCES: PEM closes $483m fund, Ares backs vacation rental platform Alternatives Watch Manatee County set for vacation rental regulation vote in June, but officials are split Sarasota Herald-Tribune Affordable housing: Impact of vacation rentals in San Juans The Seattle Times Crackdown on hidden fees when booking hotels and buying tickets hits in time for summer Detroit Free Press Stunning Summer Vacation Rentals Less Than 3 Hours from Alexandria Alexandria Living Magazine Vacation Rentals of the Desert Accused of Owing Millions; Riverside DA Launches Investigation After Public Outcry NBC Palm Springs City moves to foreclose over illegal rental violations Hawaii News Now I sold my $2 million rental portfolio to buy a campground. It hasn't made money yet, but the joy it brings me is priceless. Business Insider Your Guide to Epic Universe Accommodations: Themed Stays for a Fully Immersive Vacation Only In Your State Wyoming’s Most Wish-Listed Vacation Rentals Are Remote Cabins And A Dome Cowboy State Daily 10 amazing US homes that make Airbnb’s ‘most wishlisted’ ranking The Independent Vacation Rentals of the Desert Accused of Owing Property Owners, Renters Over $1 Million NBC Palm Springs This North Carolina Airbnb Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot Only In Your State No More Vacation Rentals In Maui. Here's How The Mayor's Plan To Strip The Island of Short-Term Rental Will Affect The Economy Yahoo Finance Community invited to briefing about proposed registration process for short-term vacation rentals Big Island Now This Nevada Airbnb Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot Only In Your State Study: Maui Should Phase Out Vacation Rentals With Caution Honolulu Civil Beat This New Jersey Shorefront Airbnb Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot Only In Your State Maui Won’t Be Converting Vacation Rentals To Long-Term Housing Anytime Soon Honolulu Civil Beat This New Hampshire Airbnb Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot Only In Your State Resources for Vacation Rentals for Springs Protection Alachua County 11 Extraordinary Vacation Rentals You'll NEVER Regret Booking House Beautiful "YES" On 66: Let’s Reclaim Our Rights To Host Nantucket Vacation Rentals Nantucket Current Maui mayor’s plan to phase out vacation rentals would increase housing but shrink the economy NBC News Maui Council To Take Up Bill Phasing Out Vacation Rentals This Summer Honolulu Civil Beat Santa Cruz County moves to rein in vacation rentals Lookout Santa Cruz Space Coast tourism officials express concerns about future, in light of political climate Florida Today Couple who owns Manasota Key vacation rentals welcomes first renters since Hurricanes Helene, Milton FOX 13 Tampa Bay Capital One Travel Adds Vacation Rentals — And You Can Earn 5x Miles on Venture Cards Upgraded Points Housing panel looks at new rules for rent-setting algorithms, vacation rentals - Evanston RoundTable Housing panel looks at new rules for rent-setting algorithms, vacation rentals Evanston RoundTable The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance for 2025 U.S. News & World Report Maggie June’s Legacy: Bill Would Require Smoke Alarms In Vacation Rentals Cape Cod Chronicle Why brands are turning to vacation rentals for product sampling New Hope Network Vacation rentals may face new taxes as WA lawmakers eye housing fix The Center Square Vacation rentals rebound on Anna Maria Island as tourism picks up after 2024 hurricanes Bay News 9 It's Not Your Imagination: Palm Coast Homes Used as Vacation Rentals Increase by 70% in 2 Years, to Over 500 FlaglerLive Cocoa Beach hikes fees to operate vacation rentals Florida Today Judge strikes down South Lake Tahoe vacation rental limits San Francisco Chronicle Vrbo Just Released Its Top Vacation Homes for 2025—and We're Ready to Book Our Next Trip veranda.com The Natural List – Gelee jell, Nude Foods Market, UpClose Marketing New Hope Network Jersey Shore summer rentals: Here's the good news and bad news for landlords, renters Asbury Park Press The 9 Most Remarkable Airbnb Treehouses You’ll Ever Stay At Outside Magazine Manatee County Commission votes to pursue regulation of short-term vacation rentals Sarasota Herald-Tribune North County Report: More Vacation Rentals, More Problems Voice of San Diego Maui transient vacation rental phaseout—more housing, fewer jobs University of Hawaii System Gulf Shores Rentals Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Norfolk City Council approves amendment to ban short-term vacation rentals in West Freemason 13newsnow.com Pinellas County to begin enforcing new vacation rental rules Tampa Bay Times Pinellas commissioners reject controversial changes to short-term vacation rental rules ABC Action News Groups file suit against Gallatin County over vacation rental ban Missoula Current Palm Springs eases vacation rental rules in effort to aid Los Angeles area wildfire evacuees The Palm Springs Post The Deck Is Warm for Airbnb (ABNB), Presenting a Contrarian Opportunity for Risk Takers Money Morning Indian Rocks Beach votes to weaken vacation rental rules ABC Action News Hoping To End Vacation Rental Rancor Nantucket Current Capitalizing on the $147 Billion Vacation Rental Market GlobeNewswire How to Book an Architectural Vacation Rental in Palm Springs Palm Springs Life Why Hawaii Vacation Rentals Plummeted To 52% Beat of Hawaii |
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