Lower Cholesterol Naturally and Safely

We can all agree that lower cholesterol equals lower health risks, but there are several ways to achieve that optimal number. The ideal total cholesterol level after a fasting lipoprotein test should be less than 200 mg/dL. If your level is 200-239 mg/dL you are considered borderline high and anything above 240 mg/dL is considered a high risk for coronary heart disease.

Many doctors are keen to prescribe medication known as statins, but once a patient starts taking them they are on them for life and they do have some serious possible side effects.

Eating a low-fat diet and enjoying regular exercise can help those with slightly elevated levels of cholesterol, but some people simply cannot achieve the desired lower levels because their body already makes high levels of cholesterol. Using natural supplements of certain cholesterol-lowering products can be the answer to lower cholesterol naturally and safely.

Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements

Artichoke Leaf
One of the most widely known and used supplements for lowering cholesterol is artichoke leaf, usually taken in conjunction with other herbs. Artichoke leaf extracts have been shown to produce various pharmaceutical effects including inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and LDL oxidation.

Taken as a supplement or in some margarines such as Promise-Activ, beta-sitosterol may help reduce total cholesterol.

Blond Psyllium
Found in seed husks and products such as Metamucil, blond psyllium is used for those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and is a natural laxative.

Easily added to the diet by sprinkling on cereal or banana, ground flaxseed may help reduce triglycerides. There is some evidence that it may help reduce the risk of heart disease and other serious health issues. However, those taking blood-thinning medications including warfarin, plavix and aspirin should consult their doctor first as it may interact.

Garlic Extract
Another excellent supplement with a variety of benefits, garlic extract supports lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. It is also used for its bacteria and virus-killing properties and is thought to inhibit damaging free radicals.

Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is used for helping lower LDL cholesterol. It is also known for its antioxidant properties and for increasing metabolism.

Red Yeast Rice
This popular supplement has been used to help lower cholesterol as it contains a natural product called lovastatin. The FDA has warned that you cannot know what level or quality of lovastatin you may be ingesting using red yeast rice, which may be undesirable.

You will have a very long shopping list if you plan to take all these cholesterol-lowering natural supplements. The best answer is to choose a cholesterol-lowering formula such as Best Cholest, which combines many of these ingredients in the correct balance. It not only works out cheaper, it is also much easier to take as one simple capsule each day.

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