Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

Supplements derived from fenugree, garlic and flax seed have displayed cholesterol lowering properties in various studies. Other cholesterol lowering supplements are discussed below:

Fish Oil
Fish oil capsules come in the list of top 5 cholesterol lowering supplements. Fish oil supplements are loaded with omega 3 essential fatty acids that promote a healthy heart. Studies shows that it brings down triglyceride levels substantially.( a type of fat associated with cholesterol). Besides, lowering triglyceride levels, it may also help to increase good cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Artichoke Extracts
Artichoke extracts can also contribute to reduce cholesterol naturally as revealed in various studies. In a study, more than a 100 high cholesterol patients were put on a specific dosage (450mg) of artichoke extract leaf supplements. After a period of 6 weeks, their blood tests showed lower cholesterol levels The bad cholesterol levels dropped sharply by around 19%. Thus, the study discovered a naturally remedy for decreasing cholesterol and suggested it as an effective treatment for high blood cholesterol patients.

Barley
Patients with high cholesterol levels must include this cereal grain in the diet. This is because studies suggest that barley rich meals can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Barley is a good source of soluble fiber and so eating it everyday can reduce cholesterol fast, thereby lowering the risk of coronary heart diseases. Taking barley supplements or a diet high in foods containing barley seems to be a healthy alternative to prescription medicines for lowering cholesterol levels.

Green Tea Extracts
To combat high cholesterol problems, green tea extracts can also be used as found in various small studies. Experts are of the opinion that that the positive result is due to the fact that green tea extracts compels the body to speed up elimination of cholesterol as well as reduce its ability to absorb cholesterol. This in turn helps to lower blood cholesterol. So, drinking green tea or taking it in supplemental forms can be useful to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Sitostanol
Sitostanal also comes in the list of cholesterol lowering supplements. Sitostanol is basically a chemical present in various plants and is chiefly derived from vegetable oils. It is an important constituent of margarine (butter substitute). In a study, a small group of people suffering from elevated cholesterol levels were put on sitostanol supplements. After a stipulated period of time, the patients showed a drop in blood cholesterol. These results clearly hints sitostanol as one of the cholesterol lowering supplements.

Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also referred as niacin when taken as supplements is found to lower high cholesterol levels. Although, niacin for high cholesterol is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, vitamin B3 content in these foods is not enough for lowering bad cholesterol. Studies indicate that high doses of vitamin B3 (2000mg every day) provide natural means to decrease bad cholesterol levels. In addition to reducing bad cholesterol levels, studies suggested that there was a 30% increase in good cholesterol.

Caution

Considering the positive results shown by various studies conducted on aforementioned supplements, one may be tempted to replace prescription medicines with these natural cholesterol lowering agents. However, this decision should not be taken without consulting a qualified doctor. Some of these cholesterol lowering supplements produce side effects that manifest in the form of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating and gas. In order to lower the severity of these side effects, the dosage needs to be adjusted accordingly. So, for best results, these supplements have to be taken in the right dosage as instructed by the doctor.

Although small studies reveal cholesterol lowering benefits of of these supplements, extensive research has not yet been done. Therefore, one cannot consider these supplements as the first line of treatment for high cholesterol patients. A combination of cholesterol lowering supplements and prescription may work best for these patients. Apart from supplements, following a low cholesterol diet that consists of food items like fish (salmon), oatmeal (high fiber foods) and walnuts is recommended. These are cholesterol lowering foods, inclusion of which can ensure healthy cholesterol levels.