Many of us may know that foods such as garlic can naturally help with cholesterol levels. Similarly several natural supplements for cholesterol can help to lower bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein or LDL) and improve levels of good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein of HDL). We look at which cholesterol supplements work and how.
1. Garlic
Garlic consumed in food and supplements made from its extract have been hailed as being among the more effective natural supplements for cholesterol. However these supplements shouldn’t be taken before surgery or if one is taking any blood thinning medications.
2. Cinnamon
Studies have shown that cinnamon extract supplements could help lower cholesterol naturally. This supplement can be particularly effective for lowering cholesterol among diabetics.
3. Guggulipid
The gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree is used to make this cholesterol lowering supplement. An Indian study conducted showed that the supplement helped to lower overall cholesterol counts as well as LDL levels.
4. Green tea extract
This is another one of the natural supplements for cholesterol that could help in improving cholesterol levels. It could be difficult to have as many as 5 cups of tea in a day, but having just one capsule may be equivalent to 5 cups. Plus the extract is free from caffeine.
5. Niacin
Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacin is known to work by lowering LDL cholesterol as well as improving HDL. Additionally it helps to lower triglyceride levels and as well as lipoprotein A, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
6. Artichoke leaf extract
Dried extract of the artichoke leaf is seen to help people with high cholesterol. In one study, the supplement helped lower bad cholesterol levels in 6 weeks.
7. Red yeast rice
This is also thought to be one of the effective natural supplements for cholesterol. However in recent times the efficacy of this supplement has been questioned.
8. Fiber supplements
Just 10 grams of fiber either via food or in the form of supplements is known to be helpful in improving cholesterol levels.
9. Plant sterols and stanols
Sterol and stanol supplements obtained from plants are known to have compounds helpful in managing cholesterol. They are beneficial in lowering LDL but are less effective in managing levels of HDL or triglycerides.
10. Dietary changes
Apart from any natural supplements for cholesterol that you take, include lots of fiber by way of legumes, oats, berries and vegetables in the diet. Soya bean intake is also thought to help in managing cholesterol.
