High levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood can increase your risks of heart stroke and other cardiac issues. Your risk for high LDL can increase, if you do not practice regular exercise or are overweight. High cholesterol is also a hereditary health issue.
You can control the level of LDL in your blood by practicing enough exercise routinely and making certain important dietary changes. Here are some of the best supplements for cholesterol lowering that you can add to your regular dietary habit.
Recommended Supplements for Cholesterol Lowering
Niacin
Niacin is nothing but a type of vitamin B that is often recommended by health specialists for treating high cholesterol and other heart conditions. It helps reduce triglycerides and increases the level of HDL (good cholesterol). You can either take niacin as a supplement or get it naturally from chicken and liver.
Psyllium supplements
One of the best cholesterol lowering supplements, Psyllium is a fiber formed by the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. Regular consumption of psyllium can lower the levels of cholesterol, reduce blood sugar levels, and even relieve constipation. You can add psyllium into your food or take them in pills.
Flaxseed
The oil and seeds of flax are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. As per various research, omega-3 fatty acids help promote the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in the body. You can add flaxseed powder to your food or use its oil.
Soy Protein
Food items containing soy can help in reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. You can get your daily dose of essential soy protein from common soy foods, such as soy beans, soy milk, and tofu.
Phytosterols
Derived naturally from plants, phytosterols keep cholesterol from getting absorbed by the intestines. You can get your daily dose of phytosterols from natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. At present time, many food manufacturers are adding phytosterols to finished food items, like yogurt and margarine.
Ginger
According to various studies conducted in the past, ginger can help in reducing the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in the body. Studies have also brought to light that ginger helps in triggering HDL (good cholesterol) levels and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. You can take ginger as a supplement or add ginger powder or raw ginger to your food.
Garlic
Although still unclear, a number of studies have brought to light that garlic can help lower cholesterol. Garlic is also believed to reduce blood pressure. You can add garlic to your food or take it as a supplement.
Red Yeast Rice
White rice fermented with yeast is known as red yeast rice. It is widely eaten and also used as an important medicine in China. Some red yeast rice supplements have a rich content of monacolin K and help lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. According to studies, monacolin K has similar chemical properties to that of lovastatin, which is a widely used cholesterol-lowering medicine.
The Final Words
If you have high cholesterol, consumption of the above discussed cholesterol lowering supplements can be an excellent way of managing your LDL levels. You can also take these supplements as a preventive aid. However, you need to keep in mind that these supplements are not a replacement for your regular diet and exercise. It is still important to consume a low cholesterol diet and practice regular exercise.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are not intended to cure any disease or comply with any health benefits. This is solely for information purposes. Please consult your doctor/health practitioner before consumption of the product. Although we take efforts to keep our website informative, we do not guarantee any medical benefits.