MCP and Cardiovascular Health

The idea of using pectin to control cholesterol levels is not new. Several studies published in the 1990s (the Journal of Nutrition and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) have examined the cholesterol lowering effect of pectin in animals and humans. It is well documented that pectin binds to cholesterol, enabling the cholesterol to be excreted from the body. However, because pectin is not readily absorbed into the body, it does this only in the intestines. This is helpful but limited. MCP, on the other hand, can be absorbed from the intestines into the body, allowing it to bind to cholesterol in the bloodstream. This gives it more direct and powerful cholesterol-lowering properties. MCP also has the addtional property of inhibiting cholesterol from forming plaque, the sticky substance which adheres to blood vessel walls, clogging and restricting blood flow. This is a huge benefit in reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Cardiology showed citrus pectin supplementation significantly decreased blood cholesterol levels without altering patients diet or lifestyle.

A recent study published in the May, 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry shows that Citrus Pectin contains a powerful compound called polymethoxylated flavones or PMFs that can lower bad LDL cholesterol as effectively as the dangerous stain drugs and without side-effects.

Extensive research by Texas A & M University's Agricultural Research Center has shown that Citrus Pectin may prevent prostate cancer.

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Cilantro and Cardiovascular Health

As diiscussed above, cilantro has been proven as an effective heavy metal chelator. It is these chelating properties which give cilantro its cardiovascular health benefits as well. Patients with cardiovascular disease, who have used cilantro to detoxifiy, report feeling much better, more alive, and can exercise longer without angina pains and shortness of breath. It is theorized that if you get rid of the heavy metals in your body, you've removed the source of millions of free radicals and the tissues of the body begin to heal themselves.

Garlic and Cardiovascular Health

Through its extensive use in herbal medicine, garlic's medicinal properties and numerous health benefits have been well documented over the years. Modern science too has shown that garlic is a powerful antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted, and, while far less strong than modern antibiotics, can still kill some strains of bacteria that have become immune or resistant to modern antibiotics. The body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.

Studies have also shown that garlic reduces cholesterol by an average of 9 percent, significantly thins the blood by inhibiting abnormal platelet aggregation, reduces cancer risk by neutralizing dietary mutagens and inhibiting free radicals, helps to remove iron and other toxic heavy metals from the body, protects neurons from "free radical" aging damage, boosts immune function, inhibits oxidation of LDL and VLDL cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure in some people.

Due to the overwhelming evidence of the cardiovascular benefits garlic has to offer, the nutrition committee of the American Heart Association now publicly acknowledges garlic's potential in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

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