What Herbs & Vitamins Will Lower Your Cholesterol? Part 2

B vitamins

Niacin is probably the best B vitamin, but it isn't the only one. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are also crucial. Remember homocysteine? This amino acid is thought to be at least as bad as cholesterol for you arteries. If you eat any meats you will elevate homocysteine levels, since it is a byproduct of meat metabolism. The higher the homocysteine levels, the greater the risk of heart disease and clogged arteries.

The good news is that the higher your levels of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, the lower you levels of homocysteine. The average American probably doesn't get enough folic acid and other B vitamins from their diet. There is clear evidence though, that dietary supplements significantly decrease homocysteine levels. One study revealed that a daily dose of 250 micrograms of folic acid lowered homocysteine 11% while a 500 microgram dose of folic acid lowered homocysteine 22%.

Vitamin C

Most people think vitamin C is good only for the common cold. Little do they know that ascorbic acid is also helpful for the heart. For one thing, vitamin C may lower cholesterol somewhat. That is not its most valuable contribution against heart disease, however.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. By preventing oxidative damage from bad LDL cholesterol, it is likely that vitamin C reduces the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation in arteries. When combined with vitamin E, this is a powerful heart-protective duo.

Vitamin E

We think of vitamin E as the queen, or perhaps we should say the intergalactic empress, of antioxidants. There have been so many studies in prestigious medical journals supporting the benefits of this vitamin that we cannot imagine how any responsible health professional could not appreciate its value. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown that vitamin E can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Vitamin E appears very safe. Contrary to an old myth, it does not raise blood pressure. The possibility does exist, however, that vitamin E might interact with anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) to increase the risk of bleeding. Anyone on Coumadin should check with a doctor about this interaction before adding vitamin E to a personal regimen.

Now, there are many factors that will help you decide your nutritional needs. Some people grow their own fruits and vegetables organically. If they eat liver and lots of greens daily, plus sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and split peas, they won't need B vitamin supplements.

Someone who spends at least 15 to 30 minutes in the sun every day won't require lots of additional vitamin D. The person who drinks a lot of low-fat milk or consumes cartons of yogurt and cottage cheese probably doesn't need much extra calcium.

No matter how careful you are about your diet, you won't be able to get from food the amounts of Coenzyme Q10 that is required if someone is taking "statin" cholesterol-lowering drugs (Baycol, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor).

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