Citrus fruit extract may lower cholesterol

[Millet]

THE CLAIM: An extract from a bitter, fragrant citrus fruit called bergamot, commonly known as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea, can lower cholesterol with minimal side effects, Italian scientists say. It also boosts good cholesterol, reduces fatty deposits in the liver and lowers blood sugar, they add.

THE VERDICT: Bergamot has been shown to lower cholesterol in at least four seperate human studies published or presented at scientific meetings. But much of the work is authored by a group of Italian researchers who work closely with a company that sells the extract. Larger, independent studies in other countries are needed to confirm the results, other scientist say. Bergamot fruit grows on sunny slopes in Southern Italy and are rich in substances called flavonoids, which likely are the reason for its beneficial effects.Flavonoids are antioxidants, substances believed to reduce chemical reactions in the body that damage cells. Earl Grey tea likely contains too little bergamot to have a therapeutic effect, scientists say, though the tea is high in another class of antioxidant called catechins.