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Natural Alternatives to Statin Drugs

A large number of people have high cholesterol as measured through a blood test. High cholesterol is defined as a combined low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of under 200. In some cases, with very high HDL levels, numbers over this can be acceptable, but only a physician can make that determination. Cholesterol-lowering statins are a relatively new discovery. A number of natural substances have been used over a very long time to help lower cholesterol levels.

  1. Pu Erh Tea

    • Pu Erh tea originated in Yu Nan province, China. It has been used for over 2,000 years both for prevention and for cure of various conditions and diseases. The tree this tea is made from is the oldest variety of tea tree, the da yeh, or broad leafed, tea tree. Pu Ehr tea is used in Chinese medicine to treat "internal dampness." In Chinese medicine, internal dampness is caused by the spleen being unable to transform chi, or the life force, from the stomach. Research at the Wun-Shan Branch Tea Research and Extension Station has shown increased levels of HDL cholesterol and decreased levels of LDL cholesterol with an overall reduction in levels through the use of Pu Erh tea.

    Red Rice Yeast

    • Red rice yeast is a staple in many Asian cultures. Red rice yeast is a form of yeast, red in color, grown on rice. It is used for both flavoring and color. It is a major ingredient in Chinese red barbecued pork. Red rice yeast is also a natural source of a statin-type substance. In fact, the first statin drug was made by extracting these statin substances from red rice yeast. Red rice yeast has been made and used in China for over 1,200 years. It has been listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia for 700 years.

    Fish Oil

    • Certain fatty fish, such as salmon and cod, are very high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked to lowered buildup of fats on arterial walls, and thus lowering the risk of heart disease and health problems due to blocked arteries. Because one of the most problematic health problems associated with high cholesterol is blocked arteries, eating fish or taking fish oil supplements can have a beneficial effect on health for people with high cholesterol.

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