Natural Cholesterol Reduction

Find out the facts about the worlds most prescribed drugs – Statins, including the benefits and possible risks/side effects.

Natural methods to lower high cholesterol levels should always be preferred to taking prescribed drugs such as statins. There are documented side effects of statins that patients should be aware of before embarking on a statin therapy course.

For some people natural cholesterol reduction may not be an option, especially if their condition is particularly dangerous, but for many others there are much safer ways to treat the problem.

The aim of reducing cholesterol in the body is to lower the bad LDL levels and raise the good HDL cholesterol levels. This can be achieved over a sustained period of time by a change of lifestyle including diet and exercise habits.

It is important to incorporate some exercise and fitness into your week. Exercise increases the amount of healthy HDL in the blood supply, thereby increasing the amount of cholesterol being transported back for removal from your body.

Another way to help lower bad LDL levels is to introduce certain cholesterol lowering foods into your diet. Here are some of the best food sources you can include with your everyday meals:

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber helps prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the body’s intestines. It is probably the easiest adjustment to make because it is found in so many foods such as oatmeal, fruit and vegetables, beans – especially kidney beans, prunes and barley.

Omega-3

Fish is great for getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. It is high in antioxidants and cholesterol lowering properties. If you can’t stomach fish, try taking a fish oil supplement. Two servings of fish a week is the USDA’s recommended intake.

Plant Sterols

Plant sterols contain natural cholesterol-reducing properties which lower your bad, or LDL cholesterol level. As with fiber, it helps prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Find plant sterols in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and oils such as vegetable oil and some butters. Also found in vegetables, corn, soy, whole grains, avocados and sunflower seeds.

Nuts

Include a variety of nuts in your diet, like hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds and pine nuts. A handful a day is enough to help reduce those bad LDL levels.

Other forms of natural herbs and supplements believed to help reduce LDL cholesterol include:

• Vitamin E and C
• Green Tea
• Licorice Extract
• Extra Virgin Oil

If you already live a lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet and you still have high LDL cholesterol levels, then you should speak to your physician about alternative methods like statins.

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