Seven Cholesterol Supplements that May Reduce Cholesterol

Which Cholesterol Supplement is Right for You?

You went to the doctor and found out that your cholesterol level was high. What exactly does that mean and what can you do about it? What is cholesterol and how is it made?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood that has a waxy appearance. Some cholesterol is necessary for your body to build cell membranes, utilize vitamin D, and create hormones. If you do not eat enough foods that contain cholesterol, you are still covered because your liver makes cholesterol. Cholesterol moves throughout your bloodstream as spherical particles called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL is called bad cholesterol because it helps to form plaque (fatty deposits) buildup in your arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis will increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke. When blood flow to the heart is impeded, the heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). If a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery affected by atherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death can occur.

It is important that your LDL level remain be less than 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl)¹

HDL is considered the good cholesterol because it carries LDL and triglycerides away from the arteries, thus preventing atherosclerosis. Your HDL level should be near 45 mg/dl. There is another type of HDL called very-low-density lipoproteins. VLDL ‘s function is to carry triglycerides.

Foods High in low-density lipoproteins contain

1. Saturated fats which are found in fatty cuts of meat and full dairy products

2. Trans fats which are found in packaged snacks and desserts as well as fast foods

Cholesterol Supplements

Cholesterol supplements are herbal products that may lower your cholesterol level. The herbal supplements that may be effective in lowering cholesterol are:

1. Psyllium which is the fiber in Metamucil. It can help lower triglycerides and total cholesterol.

2. Niacin is one of the B-vitamins and is found in leafy green vegetable. It may help to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. Garlic extract may lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

4. Red yeast rice contains the ingredient monacolin K which is chemically similar to the main ingredient in statin drug lovastatin.

5. CoenzymeQ10 is an antioxidant than can lower LDL cholesterol. Food sources include tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, vegetable oils, and meat.

6. Berberine is a chemical in plants like goldenseal that may help lower cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

7. Policosanol is a natural supplement found in sugar cane. It works by helping the liver control production and breakdown of cholesterol.

Just because you take a cholesterol supplement does not mean you can eat any type of food you want. A person without risk factors for heart disease need to limit dietary cholesterol intake to no more that 300 milligrams per day. People who are at high risk for heart disease should consume no more than 200 milligrams of cholesterol daily. Fruits and vegetables whole grains, and plant-based foods are free of cholesterol. Cholesterol is mainly found in animal products like meat, milk, and eggs.

You can check your cholesterol level at home by purchasing a cholesterol test kit that is labeled “CDC certified.” This label means that the contents of the kit was approved by the Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network and that the test results are accurate. Remember, you must fast (do not eat) twelve hours before taking your cholesterol test.