An ancient resin, traditionally used as a perfume or embalming fluid, has been found effective in lowering cholesterol levels if taken as a food supplement, say researchers.
An ancient resin, traditionally used as a perfume or embalming fluid, has been found effective in lowering cholesterol levels if taken as a food supplement, according to researchers.
Best known as one of the gifts of the Three Wise Men offered to the infant Jesus, Myrrh is a rust-coloured resin obtained from several species of Commiphora and Balsamodendron trees, native to the Middle East and Ethiopia.
Cholesterol - The Enigma Chemical
The word 'Cholesterol' rings danger bells as soon as it is mentioned. This important chemical is important for the normal metabolism of the body and is dangerous only if present in excess.
The word 'Cholesterol' rings danger bells as soon as it is mentioned. This important chemical is important for the normal metabolism of the body and is dangerous only if present in excess.
During the study, the research team fed myrrh resin, among other plant materials, to albino rats.
They found that levels of "bad" cholesterol fell and levels of "good" cholesterol went up while the rodents were on the diet.
High Cholesterol | Hypercholesterolemia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
High cholesterol level in blood are a risk for heart disease and stroke. They get deposited in the wall of the arteries and clog the circulation posing a threat to life.
High cholesterol level in blood are a risk for heart disease and stroke. They get deposited in the wall of the arteries and clog the circulation posing a threat to life.
"Of all nutrients, fat is implicated most often as a contributing factor to disease," the Telegraph quoted the researchers as saying.
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