Cholesterol Supplements - natural, safe and effective substances to help lower cholesterol levels

by Webmaster, All4NaturalHealth.com

This page should be useful to you if you are looking for cholesterol supplements to help bring your levels down. Here, I have compiled information on some substances and plant extracts which have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects and may be found in a supplement to lower cholesterol levels.

Get More Info on Cholesto-Rite for Cholesterol Control to help control LDL (bad cholesterol), maintain healthy HDL levels and reduce risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

In some studies, a few of these substances below have actually produced better outcomes than prescription medications (Statin drugs) for cholesterol control. They are generally safer and have less or no side effects, too.

Before you turn to a cholesterol supplement to solve your problem, I would strongly suggest you make some dietary and lifestyle changes as the foundation of your efforts to lower your cholesterol. While herbs and supplements may lower your cholesterol levels, they will not correct the deeper underlying condition and issues.

If you have not already done so, read this page which explains some steps on how to naturally lower your cholesterol.


Cholesterol lowering substances found in some Cholesterol Supplements

Artichoke Leaf Extract
There is some research which suggests that artichoke leaf extract may limit the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, thereby lowering its levels. It may also increase the production and flow of bile in the body, which then increases the rate at which cholesterol is removed from the body.

Green Tea Extract
There are studies which show that green tea extract can increase High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol) levels, as well as lower triglyceride and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels.

Green tea, of course, also comes with many other documented health benefits.

Guggulipid Extract
Guggulipid is a native Indian herb which has been used for many years in Ayuvedic medicine for a host of ailments, including the maintenance of healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Guggulipid extract has been subject to numerous clinical studies, some of which show it to be more effective than prescription drugs when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels.

Lecithin
Lecithin is produced by the liver if one’s diet is adequate, and also found in soybeans. It is a fat emulsifier which supports the circulatory system. It also enables cholesterol and other fats to be dispersed in water and eliminated from the body. It can thus help prevent buildup of fats in the arteries.

Plant Sterols and Stanols
Plant sterols and stanols are naturally found in certain plants. They may help to lower cholesterol levels in the body as they have a similar structure to cholesterol and thus may stop the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Some studies have shown stanols to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

One specific kind of sterol is Beta Sitosterol. Found in soybeans, corn oil and wheat germ, this substance not only lowers cholesterol levels, but studies also imply it has immune boosting and anti-cancer effects.

Policosanol
Policosanol is an extract from sugar cane. It has been subject to many clinical studies which have conclusively shown it to increase HDL cholesterol as well as lower LDL cholesterol. It also prevents the oxidization of LDL cholesterol, and this reduces inflammation.

An additional benefit is that it decreases the ability of blood cells to clump up, hence improving blood circulation.

Policosanol is a promising substance for improving cholesterol levels and it has in fact performed better than some popular cholesterol-lowering drugs in some clinical trials. It also apparently has no known side effects so far.

Red Yeast Rice
Red Yeast Rice reduces cholesterol levels by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body. Based on my understanding, some Statin prescription drugs are made based on Red Yeast Rice.

It is available as a standalone supplement for cholesterol and, with my preference for all things natural, with little or no side effects and much higher effectiveness, I would go straight for Red Yeast Rice anytime, no doubt about it.

However, the use of Red Yeast Rice may not be safe for people with liver disease, kidney disease or serious infections, as well as children, nursing women and those who have had organ transplants. If you belong to one of these groups, do exercise caution and find out more.

Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol plant compound found in the skin of red grapes. It increases HDL cholesterol levels and decreases the levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol. Other benefits include reducing the formation of blood clots thereby lowering the risk of heart attack; and reducing inflammation thereby protecting the walls of arteries from damage.

Supporting substances found in some Cholesterol Supplements

These are some other supporting substances which may be found in a cholesterol supplement.

Other substances, for example cayenne, which promote circulation, thereby helping to clear built-up excess cholesterol in the body.

Discussion on Niacin

Note that Niacin, or Vitamin B3, has been proven to increase HDL cholesterol levels (the ‘good’ cholesterol) and lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels (the ‘bad’ cholesterol). One particular study was conducted in 1998 by the American Journal of Cardiology.

Niacin is apparently prescribed by many medical doctors. However, as it comes with several known side effects, which include headaches, gas, cramps, indigestion, nausea, gout, skin flushing or hot flashes, skin eruptions, high blood sugar, liver inflammation and the worsening of peptic ulcers, I do not recommend it.

Conclusion

Do note that the above list of substances and extracts commonly found in cholesterol supplements is by no means a complete one. Also, more discoveries are being made all the time.

I would like to conclude this article by once again reminding you that while a cholesterol lowering supplement may help to keep things under control, it is still largely a quick fix, not dissimilar to using prescription drugs, but with perhaps better effectiveness and definitely less side effects. In order to effect true and permanent healing of the underlying condition, dietary and lifestyle changes to naturally lower cholesterol would be necessary.


You may also want to read this related page on using herbs to lower cholesterol.

Read More: More on Cholesterol | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

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