Grape seed extract and chromium may lower cholesterol

February 6, 2001 in Heart Health, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Grape seed extract and chromium may lower cholesterol

Results from a pilot study conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center show that grape seed extract and chromium, when taken together, may lower cholesterol levels.

The study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Medicine, found that, among 40 adults, grape seed extract and chromium taken together significantly decreased total and LDL cholesterol levels, and seemed to reduce the oxidized form of LDL. LDL is commonly referred to as the "bad" type of cholesterol; LDL and particularly oxidized LDL are known risk factors in heart disease.

"While it is important to remember that the human study is only a pilot study with a small number of participants, it seems clear that supplementing the diet with grape seed extract and chromium may have a powerful effect in significantly reducing total cholesterol, and particularly oxidized LDL cholesterol levels," said the lead researcher, Dr. Harry Preuss, "The next step is to expand the scope of this test and do another trial with a larger population."

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