An active lifestyle and a balanced diet is what people with or without high levels of cholesterol should put as high priority in their list. It is actually not just about the danger of having it, but it is more on practicing a healthier lifestyle and preventing putting your life at risk. Some people who have high cholesterol levels take high cholesterol treatment while others prefer cholesterol lowering supplements.
One of the most famous cholesterol-lowering products is the red yeast rice that was used in China and Japan for many years before it was introduced to the US. It has been proven to reduce the amount of ldl or the bad cholesterol in the body. The red yeast rice is found in many cholesterol drugs. It is somehow more effective and more natural as it lowers the levels of ldl and triglycerides without the side effects that statin drugs have. A major one being its affect on the liver in the long run.
Policosanol is an extract that comes from sugar cane. This extract is actually studied in medical science and is proven to lower the bad cholesterol and raising the good ones by controlling the liver in producing the substance. It is shown in studies that it can lower cholesterol levels by up to 20 percent.
Extracts of green tea and artichoke have the same benefits. While green tea has its active ingredient polyphenols, artichoke has the cynarin which speeds up the secretion of cholesterol out of the body.
Guggulipid extract is proven useful in curing a number of ailments. It India it is a tried and tested formula for centuries. Products with berberine also help, with Oregon grape and barberry containing such substance.
Omega 3 acids which can be found in fish and fish oil are also among the list of safest and more popular cholesterol supplements. Flax seed oil also contains omega 3 acids and is a safe option besides fish.
Sterols and stanols in plants also reduce the ldl but without any effect on the hdl or the good cholesterol. However, research studies show that people taking medication show more improvement while taking stanols and sterols.
Some products are proven while others are still undergoing further studies to test their effects. Nevertheless, if you have high cholesterol you shouldnât take a cholesterol supplement without informing your doctor. This is so that the doctor knows what you are taking and he can see if it blends well and make improvements to your health rather than contradicting with other medications that he may prescribe and causing other health problems.
For more information and ideas, please visit us on the web at cholesterol supplements.
Vincent Siew