CHOLESTEROL DIET SECRETS

Nature's remedies for cholesterol

Herbs and natural remedies have been around for a much longer period than standard prescription drugs. The Chinese and Indians have been using plants and herbs for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. More people are therefore turning to herbal alternatives for treating their cholesterol level, especially since the withdrawal of the cholesterol drug called Baycol after numerous deaths had been linked to its use.

Below are some products that have been researched for their cholesterol-lowering properties. With your doctor's permission, you may consider using a cholesterol-lowering supplement:

• Artichoke extract has been seen to reduce total cholesterol and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol).
• B Vitamins, besides niacin, decreases the rate of LDL oxidation and lowers the risk of cholesterol clogging the arteries.
• Barley was found capable of reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
• Blond psyllium (found in seed husk), may help reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

• Curcumin (Tumeric extracts) is a potent antioxidant with cholesterol lowering properties. It has been widely used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine and also in the Ayurvedic medicine of India. This natural food is believed to prevent cholesterol from clogging up the arteries.

• Carnitine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
• Chromium has been seen to reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels.
• Coenzyme Q10 has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
• Fiber can be obtained through fiber supplements or through foods such as whole grains and vegetables. It is believed that fiber binds to cholesterol molecules in the small intestine and prevents cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream.
• Fish oil, thins the blood and hence may reduce the risk of heart attack caused by cholesterol plaque.
• Garlic, besides its overall health benefits like fighting off the common cold, has been widely studied for its cholesterol-lowering properties. It slows down the build up of deadly cholesterol in the arteries.
• Grape Seed Extract is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cholesterol from turning "bad".
• Oat bran (found in oatmeal and whole oats) may reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
• Pantothine has been seen to promote the HDL (good cholesterol) level.
• Red yeast rice contains a natural form of statin. It is effective for cholesterol control.
• Royal Jelly has been seen to lower cholesterol levels by reducing some of the cholesterol-elevating effects of nicotine.
• Soy has been shown to reduce overall cholesterol levels.
• Vitamin C, also an important antioxidant, helps to prevent buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries.

Natural supplements could be used in conjunction with an overall program that includes dietary and lifestyle changes.

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