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| Licorice Extract |
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Review
Summary |
 Licorice Extract is a naturally derived substance advertised as an effective cholesterol-reducing agent. The extract may be found in many forms, including capsules, tablets and even some candies. Enthusiasts claim the extract has been used in its natural form for many years to keep cholesterol levels relatively low, and prevent the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries.
The many health risks posed by excessive cholesterol levels may include heart disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure and stroke. Healthy dieting and getting regular exercise may prove beneficial, but some supplementation may also show some promise. We will examine the natural substance in question to see whether it may be a worthwhile option for cholesterol reduction.
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| Ingredient at a Glance |
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This natural extract is said to be derived from the Licorice or anise plant, which may be found in great numbers in East Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Mongolia. An ingredient found in the extract, Glabridin, is thought to be the main source of its purported benefits for cholesterol reduction. This ingredient is said to be found at its most potent levels in the plant’s root.
According to some sources, Glabridin may have been studied for the possibility that it may play a role in regulating how cholesterol is absorbed and broken down in the digestive system. Supposedly, this ingredient has been associated with delaying the oxidation of certain “bad” cholesterols, classified in studies as Low Density Lipoprotein, or LDL.
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| Ingredient in Focus |
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In East Asian countries, the root extract has supposedly been chewed with regularity among the natives – and some claim that the population as a whole may not be suffering from arteriosclerosis, or the narrowing of the arteries, as prevalently as in some western cultures. However, the natural root extract may not be as readily available in many markets as the supplement form.
Other reports suggest that this root extract may function much like an antioxidant, by containing oxidation-causing free radicals and reducing cholesterol build-up in the arterial walls. Although some reports claim the extract has been put through extensive clinical studies on the subject, most of the findings may be based on anecdotal evidence, with much of them based overseas.
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| Lifestyle |
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Many of us may be familiar with Licorice candies, which may be enjoyed for its characteristic sweet, musky flavor. However, the candied versions of this root extract may not be as potent as the natural form consumed overseas, since it may be watered down in the extraction and manufacturing process. The candy may not even contain the extract’s key component, Glabridin.
Men and women looking to reduce their cholesterol levels and maintain healthy levels going forward may prefer to consider alternatives that have been shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol absorption – in some cases by up to 40 percent. For example, Plant Sterols are believed to enable us to eat many of our favorite foods while still maintaining healthy cholesterol readings.
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| Positives |
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• Licorice candy may be one source
• The ingredient is not linked with side effects
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| Negatives |
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• May not be as promising as Plant Sterols
• A 100 percent money-back offer may not be available
• We would like to see some more clinical studies conducted
• The product may not be backed by that many success stories
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| Final Thoughts |
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Licorice Extract may be advertised as a potent natural ingredient for supporting overall health, but we are not convinced that it may be as effective for cholesterol reduction as some may suggest. We would like to see some more studies conducted on its immediate and long-term effects, considering much of what’s out there may be largely inconclusive.
Those concerned about purchasing a product that proves to be ineffective may prefer to seek items backed by 100 percent money-back guarantees. Such an offer may be hard to find for a product based on the root extract in question, but select Plant Sterol-based supplements may make such offers. Some even offer extended 60-day guarantees.
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| Our
Reader's Poll Top Choice: |
Week
of: Tue Jan 06th, 2009 |
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CholesterClear®:
CholesterClear® -
Imagine lowering your Cholesterol levels while still being able to eat the foods you love. CholesterClear® is an awesome product which literally blocks the bad cholesterol from being absorbed by the body. It does this naturally and safely because it contains certified organic highly concentrated plant sterols which have been clinically proven to effectively block 42% of the cholesterol in your food from being digested. This substance has been approved by the FDA and American Medical Association as being effective in lowering and preventing high Cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels. With over 1200 published studies declaring it works, how can you go wrong with this? Prescriptions that fight Cholesterol levels also have some ugly negative side effects associated with them – so we recommend checking this product out because it has no side effects what-so-ever. Click Here to read our full review. |
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