Policosanol+

Policosanol is a plant extract that helps to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels within the blood. It’s originally extracted from sugar cane, like used in Organika’s product, but can also be isolated from beeswax, cereal grains, grasses, leaves, fruits, nuts and seeds. It works by interfering with cholesterol production in the liver. Organika’s Policosanol+ helps to encourage cholesterol removal from the body, with no effects on HDL cholesterol or good fatty acids.

Here are some of the many benefits policosanol has been studied for:

• Reducing cholesterol and LDL cholesterol; improving HDL/LDL ratio
• Support artery health
• Inhibits excess blood clotting
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Decreases excess visceral body fat
• Helps regulate insulin levels
• Helps decrease metabolic syndrome markers

Plant sterols, a type of phytosteroid (steroid-like molecules made by plants), also are known for their LDL cholesterol lowering effects. They are molecularly quite similar to cholesterol, and work by competing for cholesterol absorption in the gut. By adding plant sterols to policosanol, Organika provides a well-rounded cholesterol supporting product.

MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS — EACH VEGETARIAN CAPSULE CONTAINS: 

• Policosanol (Saccharum officinarum) (Wax) 10 mg
• Free Plant Sterols (Glycine max) (Seed) 250 mg (Containing 80% Combined beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol and Stigmasterol)

NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS: 

• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Maltodextrin
• Magnesium Stearate (Non-GMO Vegetable Source)
• Hypromellose / Pullulan (Vegetarian Capsule)
  

RECOMMENDED DOSE — (ORAL) ADULTS ONLY: 

Take 1 capsule three times per day with meals.

CAUTIONS: 

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking blood thinning agents. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q: I’ve heard policosanol is a type of alcohol? Can you elaborate on this?
A: Policosanol is a type of long chain alcohol that is extracted from plant waxes. It’s not an alcohol like we think of in our beer and cocktails, but a particular type of molecular structure. It will not make you drunk :).

Q: Is this product used traditionally somewhere? Who discovered its properties?
A: This plant extract was discovered for use in Cuba. As it's a byproduct of the sugar industry, Cuba was excited to find a positive use for this natural waste. In Cuba, its citizens also believe it boosts energy, stimulates weight loss and increases libido.

Q: I hear policosanol can be extracted from wheat. Is yours?
A: No, our policosanol is extracted from sugar cane, making our product gluten-free.

Q: Where can I get more plant sterols in my diet?
A: Phytosterols, as a fat-based molecule, are found in the fats of plants. This is often in seeds, grains, or legumes, like coconut, corn, olives, peanut, canola, soy and sunflower seeds and their extracted oils. Plant sterols do not interfere with statin drugs, and instead can complement their efficacy.

Q: Are there other ways I can lower my LDL or total cholesterol levels?
A: Yes, there are many lifestyle choices that can be adjusted to help with not-ideal cholesterol levels. Cholesterol plays a very important role in many of your hormones and all your cell membranes, so you definitely don’t want to think of it all as bad. LDL levels increase when you need more cholesterol to fix damage - like with free radical damage in the arteries or to protect cells from excess dehydration. Decreasing choices like smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating sugar, refined carbohydrates and process foods decrease free radical damage. Increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and spices help to combat these free radicals. Ensuring ample clean water daily, and not overdoing dehydrating-beverages like coffee, tea and alcohol can also help with cell hydration and a decreased need for LDL cholesterol.

Another piece to take into consideration is your bowel health. Excess cholesterol is released with bile from your gallbladder when you eat foods containing fats. If you are constipated or your liver/gallbladder system is not functioning properly, cholesterol may be building up in your system instead of being properly eliminated. Another reason to adjust your diet away from processed foods and towards a more whole foods, plant-heavy plan.