Natural Antioxidant Bilirubin May Improve Cardiovascular Health
Published:25 May2018 Source:Medical Xpress
Bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment, is formed after the breakdown of red blood cells and is eliminated by the liver. It is not only a sign of a bruise, it may provide cardiovascular benefits, according to a large-scale epidemiology study.
Several studies have suggested that bilirubin may have beneficial effects, by acting as an antioxidant or interfering with atherosclerosis. A recent analysis of health data from almost 100,000 veterans, both with and without HIV infection, found that within normal ranges, higher levels of bilirubin in the blood were associated with lower rates of heart failure, heart attack and stroke.