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.
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 secretsofcholesterol.com secretsofcholesterol.com
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