Cholesterol is an essential substance that our bodies produce. Cholesterol is a waxy, soft material that is found around the lipids of our bloodstream and in our cells. Good cholesterol is important for our cell membrane formation, our hormones and other functions. However, when our cholesterol level gets too high because of the foods that compose our diets, it results in a condition called hypercholesteroemia. Cholesterol either LDL or HDL. LDL, i.e. low-density lipoprotein is the harmful cholesterol. HDL, i.e. high-density lipoprotein is the beneficial cholesterol. Our health is improved when we reduce our LDL level and increase our HDL level. An elevated LDL cholesterol level can result in heart disease which kills a third of us and takes 10-15 years off our average life-span. High blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to arteriosclerosis, i.e. hardening of the arteries that results in less blood flow and so less oxygen for our cells and tissues. If arteriosclerosis develops near our heart, it puts us at risk for a heart attack. If arteriosclerosis develops near our head and neck, we are at risk for a stroke. Arteriosclerosis leads to high blood pressure because the walls of our arteries are lined with cholesterol making the passage for our blood flow smaller and even blocked which requires our heart to pump blood with more force in order for our blood to circulate. A variety of synthetic, prescription drugs called "statins" are used extensively in our culture. Statins block an enzyme that our liver needs for the production of cholesterol. Statins do reduce LDL levels, but do not raise HDL levels which we need for our cells and tissues. The side effects of statins potentially include liver damage, fatigue, nausea and disruption of healthy digestion signaled by abdominal pains and craps, gas and constipation. We can avoid the potential harmful side effects of statins by turning to substances that occur naturally to reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Not only are these substances natural and without the risk of harmful side effects, but they also carry many other health benefits beyond those of reducing cholesterol. Chromium is a trace mineral that promotes healthy blood sugar levels and therefore the risk of insulin resistence that leads to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Garlic supplement with standardized, high levels of allicin has been shown to lower LDL levels and raise HDL levels Gugulipid or guggul. is the gum of the myrrh tree and is an ancient Indian medicine. Gugulipid is able to lower LDL and triglycerides. It connects to cholesterol in our intestines and we eliminate the cholesterol before it can enter our bloodstream. Maitake mushroom extract is yet another naturally occurring material that has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Flaxseed oil contains a soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol in the intestines and helps eliminate cholesterol. Flaxseed oil contains Omega 3 essential fatty acid that forms alpha-linolenic acid or LNA. LNA lowers triglycerides and slows the growth of arteriosclerosis plaque. Fish oil is also high in Omega 3 essential fatty acid. Apple Pectin, oat bran, and psyllium are fibers that bind to cholesterol in the intestines where it can be eliminated. Red yeast rice is rice fermented with a red yeast. It has been shown that red yeast rice balances cholesterol levels. It is recommended that red yeast rice should be used in combination with Co Q 10. Formulas of red yeast rice and Co Q 10 are available. Niacin may help reduce cholesterol. Niacin is found in vitamin B3. Other B vitamins such as B6, B9 and B12 do not necessarily reduce cholesterol, but they do lower high homocysteine levels which carry a risk for heart disease. Vitamin E may prevent the formation of fatty deposits on the inside of our arteries. Many medical journals contain articles praising the benefit of vitamin E for a healthy heart. It has been recommended that we get at least 400 IU of vitamin E each day. Other natural substances that we can obtain in supplement form to lower and reduce cholesterol levels include, alfalfa, aloe vera juice, devils claw, fenugreek, ginger, grape seed extract, green tea, licorice, milk thistle, soy and evening primrose. We need not risk the potential harmful side effects of synthetic, prescription drugs, such as statins, in order to lower and reduce high cholesterol levels. All these natural nutritional materials give us many other health benefits as well as reduce cholesterol levels. We can also obtain heart healthy, cholesterol lowering and reducing formulas containing combinations of many of these natural substances in synergistic proportion.
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