Policosanol

A naturally occurring element found in the wax of the sugar cane plant is referred to as policosanol. When manufactured, policosanol is taken from sugar cane plants and mixed with alcohol to result in a purified product. As such, tt has been used for many years in Cuban cultures as a treatment for heart disease. Specifically, polycosanol is believed to be beneficial in treating artheriosclerosis.

The benefits of polycosanol associated with heart disease are derived from its ability to reduce or lower harmful cholesterol levels as well as increasing circulation and reducing the risk of dangerous blood clots. While polycosanol has been used to treat or reduce the risk of heart disease for years in Cuba, it is also believed to be beneficial in treating other conditions such as diabetes. Some reports indicate that polycosanol may be quite beneficial in treating the Type II version of diabetes.

Postmenopausal women who are more at risk for heart disease, especially illnesses like hypercholesterolemia, may find that polycosanol is particularly beneficial. In fact, some studies indicate that it may provide better benefits than traditional medications in treating some heart conditions because it provides less adverse side effects. While some other heart disease medications have been known to contribute to liver damage, early reports indicate that polycosanol may not have this problem. Furthermore, polycosanol has proven to be a better anti-coagulant than other agents such as aspirin. Consumers should be aware that it is not advisable to attempt self medication with polycosanol. Individuals who suspect they may be at risk for heart disease should seek the qualified advice of a medical professional.

There appear to be relatively few negative or adverse side effects associated with the use of policosanol. The one potentially serious side effect is related to its ability to act as a blood thinning agent. Because of this it is recommended that polycosanol not be used in conjunction with other blood thinning agents.

Other minor side effects include altered sleep patterns and some slight weight loss; although these reports appear only in very rare cases.

The most common over the counter supplement form of polycosanol available is the capsule form. To achieve the maximum health benefits when using polycosanol, the product should be kept in a cool, dry location and away from direct sunlight and heat. The therapeutic maximum recommended daily allowance of polycosanol ranges between 5 and 20 milligrams.

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