The best diets that lower cholesterol are commonly low in
saturated fat, for starters. Once you are committed to losing
weight, any effective weight loss diet will cause you to eat
foods that helps lower cholesterol by default. If this is already
happening to you, great! Congratulations! Now, you are perhaps
looking for ways to accelerate efforts for lowering your
cholesterol. Well, the following list is for you.I would strongly
recommend, however, that the supplements listed here not be
considered a substitute for dietary or other changes-that’s why
they called “supplements”. So, please consider this information
for what it is, supplemental to an on-going cholesterol reduction
program that you’re already doing.With that out of the way, here
is some exciting supplement information put out by a very
reliable source: The Mayo Clinic. They have listed ten natural
substances you can eat that “may” lower your cholesterol. The
studies for these natural supplements are very spotty because
drug companies can’t patent a naturally occurring substance. So,
the Mayo Clinic does not say these substances work unequivocally,
probably for lack of good scientific research. There is enough
evidence however for them to say they “may” work. And, being
natural substances you can buy them and try them on for size and
judge accordingly.These supplements are probably different than
ones you’ve heard about, like fish oil. I looked around for
corroborating evidence that these are legitimate cholesterol
lowering supplements, and there’s plenty of supporting evidence
on each one.Here they are:
Artichoke extract –
This natural remedy “may” reduce bad cholesterol (LDLs), and has
been shown to help prevent heart disease and arthrosclerosis. It
has been found to be beneficial to the liver by naturally
detoxifying the blood, protecting the liver.
Barley
-Apparently barley, as well as whole grains and oats,
should be added to your dinner or breakfast table. It could lower
your cholesterol by 10-15%.
Beta-sitosterol – is
a plant-based substance. It is most often found in nuts, seeds,
some fruits and vegetables. It can improve a long list of
afflictions, including heart disease and high cholesterol.
Blond psyllium – Shown effective in lowering
cholesterol levels, but data is sparse. It’s in the insoluble
fiber category, and lowers cholesterol by absorbing LDLs before
they reach the bloodstream.
Fish Oil – It’s well
known by now that omega 3′s found in fish oil is an effective
cholesterol lowering substance that also lowers triglycerides.
Ground Flaxseed – Rich in omega 3 fatty acid, a
well-known reducer of LDL cholesterol. Good on cereal and in your
smoothie. It also contains fiber.This combination of components
are effective in lowering LDLs. Expect this supplement to lower
your LDL cholesterol by at least 14%
Garlic Extract
– This has the effect of lowering your risk of heart
attack or stroke by thinning the blood, but also lowers total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Green Tea
Extract – Camellia sinesis, possesses powerful
anti-oxidants known as polyphenols. In addition to drinking the
tea itself, the extract has been shown to raise HDLs in animals
and humans, while lowering overall cholesterol and triglycerides.
Oat Bran -Reduces LDL cholesterol by absorption
as dietary fiber, as does whole wheat and barley.
Sitostanol – Like Beta-sitosterol (see #3), this
is a plant based product. You’ll find this ingredient in Benecol
margarine, and certain salad dressings. The FDA has approved this
and related plant chemicals (stanol esters) to make the claim for
its cholesterol lowering effects.
By: Marc H
PrestonAbout the Author:
Marc Preston has been a nutritional expert for over 25 years.
He is dedicated to educating readers on the benefits of healthy
nutrition and lifestyle. This article provides basic but
important information about cholesterol and its effects. Please
visit our website for more FREE information about cholesterol
at
http://www.secretsofcholesterol.com
Thank you!