Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and absorbed from food. Cholesterol is the structural backbone material for the body's cells and for some hormones, including testosterone. At elevated levels, however, cholesterol and other lipids, including triglycerides, lead to cardiovascular problems. Cholesterol and other lipids circulate through the blood attached to plasma proteins. These fat protein complexes are called lipoproteins. They include high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is known as the "good" lipoprotein because it tends to transport cholesterol away from arterial walls and back to the liver. LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol because it tends to carry cholesterol from the liver to the arteries where it is deposited on arterial walls. Safely maintaining healthy blood lipid levels can be a major challenge for people as they get older.
Cardiovascular supplementation isn't just about maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, however. It's also about maintaining healthy blood vessels and blood flow (endothelial function). A number of age-related changes affect the way blood flows through the body. Aging results in blood vessels losing some elasticity, which is called endothelial dysfunction. This means more pressure is needed to move blood through the body, which causes high blood pressure. Aging, genetic disposition, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits lead to impairment of the structure and function of endothelial cells. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by inflammation of blood vessel linings, which results in diminished blood flow leading to a buildup of fatty plaque.
A comprehensive cardiovascular healthcare supplement must contain an ingredient profile that accomplishes a two-prong approach. One, it must promote the maintenance of healthy blood lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL), and, two, it must help strengthen blood vessels to promote healthy endothelial function. The release of Choledrene® may be one of the most significant events in years in the field of nutraceutical cardiovascular healthcare.
A cornerstone of the Choledrene® formulation is that it has a positive influence on the synthesis of cholesterol by inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA, an enzyme in the liver that regulates cholesterol production. The cholesterol-busting backbone in Choledrene® is a unique phytostatin called Monascus purpureus, which has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. Choledrene® also incorporates a diverse portfolio of cardiovascular support agents and co-factors that support other organs, including Vitamin C, pyridoximine (Vitamin B-6), folate (folic acid), magnesium, L-arginine, L-carnitine, silymarin, quercitin, pine bark, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), and CoQ10.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is essential in the formation of collagen necessary to maintain the structural integrity of blood vessels. Vitamin C has also been shown to support healthy levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL, and lower homocysteine levels (with the help of pyridoximine and folate). Magnesium assists in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure by protecting the arterial wall against LDL oxidation and inflammatory insults. L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a key component in endothelial-derived relaxing factors, which contributes to increased blood flow to the heart. L-carnitine plays a role in the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned for cellular energy. Silymarin, quercitin, pine bark, ALA, and CoQ10 also provide additional antioxidant support against free radical damage, inhibit the oxidation of LDL, preserve endothelial integrity, support healthy blood lipid profiles, promote healthy mitochondrial function, and help shield the liver and heart from Monascus purpureus-induced metabolic stress.
Factors that can influence cardiovascular health begin early in life, which means that, for young and old, Choledrene® should be a part of everyone's program for sound cardiovascular health!