Supplements that can naturally lower cholesterol 

We have always known cholesterol as the culprit of heart diseases and heart failure. But what exactly is cholesterol, and how an you achieve a naturally lower cholesterol? Read on to find out.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, specifically in the liver. This waxy substance is vital to producing vitamin D and certain hormones, build cell walls, and make bile salts for fat digestion. Studies have shown that the body can manufacture enough cholesterol for its survival, but because a lot of foods also contain cholesterol it is very hard to entirely avoid its intake.

Excessive amounts of cholesterol can be harmful and can lead to serious conditions like heart diseases. Because cholesterol by itself cannot travel through the bloodstream, it has to combine with certain proteins to form lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins (HDL), called the “good cholesterol”, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), called the “bad cholesterol” are two of its most important types. HDL is called such because it brings cholesterol back to the liver to be processed and sent out of the body. It is LDL which has the ability to clog blood vessels, and this makes blood circulation harder than it should be. When blood vessels are clogged, the heart has to pump harder that it normally should. This scenario is the pretext to cardiac arrest and other heart ailments.

A good and healthy diet is always the key to maintain one's cholesterol level. However, a little help would not hurt and can even make a huge difference in your well-being. Supplements that naturally lower cholesterol are available in the market. These products can be used alongside diet and exercise. Below are some of the most common and accessible dietary supplements that can naturally lower cholesterol with their recommended doses and side effects:

Artichoke extract

Artichoke extract, when taken in two to three doses of 1,800 to 1,920 milligrams a day, can lower total cholesterol and LDL in the body. Its side effects include the production of gas or an allergic reaction.

Barley

Though barley also reduces total cholesterol and LDL levels, it has no side effects like the artichoke extract. The daily recommended doses for barley oil extract and barley bran flour are different: 3 grams and 30 grams, respectively.

Beta-sitosterol

Like the first two supplements, beta-sitosterol also decreases the body’s over-all cholesterol and LDL levels and can be taken from 800 milligrams to six milligrams daily. Its side effects include diarrhea or constipation, gas, nausea, and indigestion.

Blond psyllium

Five grams of seed husks twice a day or a serving of a pill or liquid variant can provide the body with an effective amount of blond psyllium. It can reduce the total and LDL cholesterol levels though it also has the same side effects as beta-sitosterol.

Fish oil

Fish oil has been proven to reduce triglycerides, which are the body's storage for fats. Four grams per day of fish oil can help to naturally lower cholesterol. But its intake can produce fishy aftertaste as well as other side effects like bad breath, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Garlic extract

As a means to naturally lower cholesterol, garlic extract combines the two function of the aforementioned supplements. When obtained in doses of 600 to 1,200 milligrams of three intakes per day, it can contribute to one's health regimen. But some side effects include bad breath or body odor, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Oat bran

Commonly found in oatmeal and whole oats, it can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. The recommended daily gram for oat bran to naturally lower cholesterol is 150 grams though it may cause bloating or gas.

Sitostanol

Naturally found in margarines, sitostanol can also reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. An intake of 800 milligrams to four grams a day is enough to aid in one's diet though it has been found that it can cause diarrhea.

IMPORTANT: When buying supplements, check if the manufacturer is pharmaceutical GMP-compliant.
 

A Comprehensive Supplement

A company we personally use called Xtend-Life natural products meets all of the above requirements and more. Their breakthrough and recommended cholesterol formula contains Policosanol along with gugulipid, in addition to many other heart healthy nutrients.

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Guides have members of our family using this supplement with remarkable results.

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