Tongkat Ali Cholesterol
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Tongkat Ali, an herb from Southeast Asia known for its vitality-enhancing effects, has long drawn the interest of health enthusiasts and researchers.
But do you know that Tongkat Ali could also play an instrumental part in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels?
This article delves deep into the fascinating relationship between Tongkat Ali and cholesterol health.
Recent research into its potential health benefits have put great focus on its impact on cholesterol management.
By exploring scientific studies and recent findings, our goal is to present an in-depth picture of how this natural ingredient could contribute to maintaining an ideal cholesterol profile.
Join us as we investigate the link between Tongkat Ali and healthy cholesterol, exploring its implications for overall well-being and its possible implications for Tongkat Ali users or those looking for natural ways to support heart health, this journey offers invaluable insight into traditional wisdom vs modern medical science.
Understanding Tongkat Ali and its health benefits
Tongkat Ali, commonly referred to as Eurycoma longifolia or Malaysian Ginseng or pasak bumi has been found to offer many health advantages. It contains bioactive compounds including eurycomanone, glycosaponin and crude protein which are thought to account for its medicinal and adaptogenic properties.
Lab studies have confirmed the traditional use of Tongkat Ali for treating infections and parasites as well as antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties. Eurycomanone, a type of quiassinoid known for its health boosting effects has also been extensively researched for its medicinal effects.
Testosterone levels have an enormous effect on energy and vitality, so natural solutions to increase testosterone can have a dramatic effect on mood and strength. Men with low testosterone also find it harder to build lean muscle mass.
A 2021 randomized controlled trial found that tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) root water extract increased testosterone levels among young males.
A gold-standard study found that a 6 month trial improved erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels in ageing men alongside a training routine.
Tongkat Ali has been shown to help relieve stress, anxiety and anger by balancing cortisol levels in the body. Furthermore, Tongkat Ali can increase serotonin production for improved mood enhancement and depression relief as well as promote better sleep quality for improved quality of restful slumber.
Tongkat Ali may also reduce early symptoms of high blood pressure by widening blood vessels.
Tongkat Ali has also been demonstrated to possess anti-diabetic effects, and may help regulate blood sugar by inhibiting oxidation of glucose and improving beta cell function, thus helping regulate and manage glucose levels while protecting against diabetic complications such as nerve damage, vascular damage and kidney failure.
The role of cholesterol in the body
Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance present in all animal cells. It can be found both in blood and cell membranes, where it aids with fluid regulation at physiological temperatures.
Furthermore, cholesterol serves as an essential precursor for producing essential substances for human life such as steroid hormones and vitamin D.
Cholase, a liver-produced protein that degrades cholesterol into its component parts, plays an essential role in maintaining the level of circulating cholesterol and aiding with its production of bile salts, used for digesting fats.
Cholesterol can also be found within myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells while aiding impulse conduction.
Cholesterol is necessary for life, but too much can lead to health issues in later years. One way you can control your cholesterol levels is through diet - opt for fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains for breakfast as well as low-fat dairy products and foods as well as adding oils and nuts as sources of omega-3 fatty acids for additional benefit.
Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats that increase your cholesterol levels, such as red meat.
Instead, select lean cuts of meat and fish that contain less saturated fat, such as lean cuts of steak. Also eat more plant-based proteins like beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, avocados.
The potential impact of Tongkat Ali on cholesterol
Tongkat Ali has long been used in Malaysia for its numerous health benefits. Studies have proven its efficacy against cholesterol and heart disease, as well as increasing dopamine levels while decreasing cortisol.
Furthermore, Tongkat Ali can also strengthen overall resilience to stress and anxiety--making it a great addition to weightlifters and athletes' training routines.
While Tongkat ali offers numerous health advantages, it is crucial that you select a high-quality product. A premium Tongkat ali that has undergone clinical tests to ensure optimal results will give you maximum return from this amazing plant.
Tongkat ali contains two bioactive components that make up its active ingredients: eurycomanone and glycosaponin.
Both can be found both in its roots and leaves of Eurycoma longifolia plants - with roots having the highest concentration. When selecting a product containing Tongkat ali, look for one standardized for eurycomanone content.
Tongkat Ali has been proven to have strong anti-tumor effects and may help to prevent cancer.
Furthermore, Tongkat ali boasts antioxidant properties to shield the body against free radical damage caused by free radicals.
Research studies on Tongkat Ali and cholesterol
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) extract showed significant cholesterol-reducing benefits in a placebo-controlled clinical study, including reduced total cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio by 16% and improved triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol by over 25%.
Furthermore, Tongkat Ali was shown to promote blood circulation, decrease systolic blood pressure by approximately 20% and promote blood circulation while simultaneously decreasing systolic blood pressure by an impressive 40% - in addition to anti-inflammatory properties and immune boost effects as a whole.
Studies have also shown that many people use Tongkat Ali to improve their athletic performance, using it to increase testosterone and libido in men as well as increase erectile function and fertility. Furthermore, Tongkat Ali can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Tongkat Ali products with the highest potency contain high concentrations of eurycomanone and glycosaponin compounds for maximum benefit. You should look for one with clinical testing as well as staff doctors to ensure its safety.
Risks and considerations when using Tongkat Ali
While Tongkat Ali can offer numerous health advantages, using it with caution remains key.
Prioritize purity, dosage and source when selecting this supplement; additionally consult a medical provider prior to adding Tongkat Ali into one's wellness regime; please be aware that Tongkat Ali has yet to be studied on children or pregnant women; thus its safety has yet to be established for these groups.
Eurycoma longifolia, commonly referred to as Tongkat Ali, contains several bioactive compounds including eurycomanone, glycosaponin and crude protein that have been shown in lab studies to significantly decrease elevated blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose uptake.
Although more human research needs to be completed on these findings before any conclusions can be drawn.
Additionally, Tongkat ali may cause nausea for some individuals, which could indicate an allergic reaction and should be discontinued immediately.
Early symptoms of Tongkat ali's side effects typically include headaches and upset stomach. Preventing such reactions by taking smaller doses or not using it in combination with supplements that could trigger these responses can be achieved.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali may help lower cholesterol through increasing nitric oxide levels and improving blood flow, leading to decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good). Furthermore, Tongkat Ali can enhance circulation which could ultimately help to decrease high blood pressure.
Studies have also demonstrated the ability of Tongkat Ali to reduce stress and increase libido in both men and women, as well as boost testosterone levels while decreasing cortisol.
These results can be attributed to its phytochemical constituents such as eurycomanone and glycosaponin; both compounds can be found throughout Eurycoma longifolia Jack's root, branches, stem, leaves and bark; with its root having one of the highest concentrations.
While more research needs to be conducted, these preliminary findings indicate that Tongkat Ali can be an effective natural treatment option for many conditions.
When selecting quality Tongkat Ali supplements it is essential that they come from sustainable and ethical production sources; in addition individuals should always speak with their healthcare provider prior to taking any dietary supplement.
