The Best Products to Reduce Cholesterol

Most people are probably familiar with the prescription drug Lipitor, as well as the heart benefits of high fiber oat bran, but how many know about the cholesterol lowering properties of artichoke extract? While medications, herbal supplements and foods that can lower one's cholesterol, it's worth remembering that lowering cholesterol will most likely involve a more involved lifestyle change. Specifically, getting regular exercise has been proven to be extremely helpful in lowering cholesterol levels in those with previously inactive lifestyles.

Lipitor

• Lipitor, otherwise known as atorvastatin, is a prescription-only drug that halts cholesterol production, thereby reducing one's cholesterol level. This once-a-day pill specifically lowers the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in one's system. By proxy, reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood also helps the avoidance of artery hardening and heart disease.

  Possible side effects of Lipitor include birth defects in fetuses, and much less common; kidney failure. Those with liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid conditions should avoid taking Lipitor. Patients taking the medication need to avoid consuming alcohol, and avoid foods high in cholesterol. Taking Lipitor will not give one free rein to enjoy fatty, unhealthy foods.

Cholesterol Lowering Foods

• Even those taking a powerful prescription drug like Lipitor will be expected by a physician to eat a healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet. There are many proven cholesterol-reducing foods. One of the best foods for this purpose is oat bran, found in oatmeal and oat flour. Look for products that contain whole or rolled oats, such as Quaker Instant Oats, Irish Oatmeal, and 100% natural oat flour which can be used in breads and muffins. According to Health Central, 5-10 grams of soluble fiber a day lowers LDL cholesterol by around 5%.

  Other foods that are highly effective in lowering cholesterol include fish (the Omega-3 content of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel lowers LDL cholesterol levels), nuts, and soy products such as tofu.

Natural Supplements

• Fish oil and flaxseed oil, besides being good for one's skin and hair health, are both effective at lowering triglycerides. For those who don't wish to get their daily dose from cuts of fish or actual flaxseeds, over-the-counter extract pills exist at most chain supermarkets and pharmacies. Garlic extract and artichoke extract pills are less popular, but nevertheless effective, and can also be had without a prescription.

  Psyllium husks are a proven natural cholesterol reducing product which also happen to be high in fiber. As with oat bran, the large amounts of fiber in psyllium husks "cleans out" the arteries.