10 natural supplements to lower cholesterol

When a blood test reveals that cholesterol values ​​are altered, it is convenient to adapt our lifestyles to lower cholesterol values ​​and thus protect our cardiovascular health.

Always accompanying a proper diet, some natural supplements are revealed as effective aids to regulate cholesterol. In this article we show you 10 supplements that have been shown to be effective and how to take them. Despite this, before taking any type of supplement, we recommend that you consult a specialist.

1. Policosanols

Extracted from the external wax of sugar cane and they are a mixture of alcohols.

Lower total cholesterol by reducing internal synthesis by the liver and appear to stimulate the breakdown of “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL levels. are taken in dose of 5 to 10 mg, once or twice a day.

2. Red yeast rice

Of the red rice yeasts, which belong to the species Monascus purpureus, statins are extracted, the synthetic drugs most used today in the control of cholesterol. Statins block the internal synthesis of cholesterol.

are recommended dose of 2 to 3 g daily during meals, a minimum of 12 weeks. In some cases it can cause gastritis or elevation of transaminases.

3. Beta-sitostanol

Added to some margarines to reduce possible cholesterol elevation that they cause It lowers plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels, although it has almost no effect on HDL.

Besides, can stimulate internal synthesis of cholesterol.

The usual dose is 0.5 to 5 g dailytaken between half an hour and an hour after meals.

4. Sitostanol

sitostanol It is extracted from vegetable oils or from pine wood.

dose of about 2 g daily of this plant sterol for three weeks They can reduce up to 15% LDL cholesterol. However, as in the case of beta-sitosterol, up to 12% of individuals do not respond to this treatment.

5. Gamma-oryzanol

It’s about a group of constituents derived mainly from rice bran oil.

It is recommended for lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Has a complex action on hormone levels such as testosterone, luteinizing or thyroid. Doses of 300 mg daily, in three doses.

6. Garlic

Numerous studies support the efficacy of garlic in the reduction of “bad” cholesterol and elevation of HDL levels.

In doses of a clove of raw garlic a day, for about 10 weeksthe average reduction in cholesterol can reach 12% (in comparison, statins 8 reduce it by 30%).

7. Fatty acids

Ingest 3-4 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduces the level of serum triglycerides by 25-30%.

8. Lecithin

It’s about a Phospholipid present in egg yolk or soybean. It is used in the treatment of fatty liver, gallbladder disorders and excess cholesterol.

It is used in daily doses of 10 to 30 g.

9. Guar gum

It is a soluble fiber extracted from the seed of Cyamopsis tetragonoiobus, used as a laxative. Reduces the absorption of total cholesterol and LDL. It can cause gas, nausea or diarrhea.

are taken from 3 to 5g during or after meals.

10. Glucomannan

It is a polysaccharide extracted from the plant Amorphophallus konjac. As soluble fiber, can lower cholesterol by absorbing part of the bile salts in the intestine and make it easy to remove.

are recommended dose of 1 to 1.5 gtwo or three times a day, during or after meals.