A statin is a medicine that lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” are reduced in blood levels, which is how it works. The “good cholesterol” or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the blood are also raised.
Grapefruit contains high levels of vitamin C and potassium, both of which are necessary components of a healthy diet. It is important to note that grapefruit juice has the potential to alter the efficacy of certain drugs, such as statins. Grapefruit consumption should be avoided by those who are taking cholesterol-lowering statin treatments. This is because the combination of these two medications can sometimes lead to an increase in the severity of unpleasant side effects, such as muscular soreness or damage (myopathy/myalgias) and increased liver enzymes.
According to Mary Greene, M.D., a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular disease care at Manhattan Cardiology in New York City, grapefruit juice does not affect all statins in the same way, so people who do not want to give up their morning glass of citrus fruit can consult their doctor about switching to a different medicine. Read the article
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