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What Vitamins Reduce Cholesterol?

As people progress into middle age, concern about blood cholesterol levels often becomes a high priority mainly because of the health threat that elevated amounts of this substance pose. Some, finding themselves diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, attempt to alleviate the problem either through dietary means or by taking prescription drugs known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. Because changes in your diet can often be an effective method for lowering cholesterol, it is reasonable to question just what role specific vitamins might play in the process.

  1. About cholesterol

    • Cholesterol, a fat-like substance found in the cells of humans and animals, is involved with the production of important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, the formation of vitamin D in the skin, and is required for the formation of bile acids, which are a necessary component in the digestion of fats. It is found in two basic forms, which include high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). HDLs are produced within the human body and are generally considered to be safe and beneficial. High levels of LDLs, however, can form fatty deposits inside the arteries, thus reducing the interior size of blood vessels and increasing the chance of stroke or heart disease.

    Sources of LDL Cholesterol

    • Before discussing vitamins that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, it is important to identify and then eliminate the foods that are often responsible for raising amounts of this fatty material in the first place. More often than not, it is red meat, eggs, dairy and other animal products that should be avoided or eaten sparingly. Trans-fats, such as those found in margarine, are particularly dangerous, as the body has no mechanism for eliminating them. By ceasing or reducing the consumption of these foods, any vitamins taken will be better able to do their work.

    Real Vitamins

    • Among the vitamins that are reportedly best able to assist in the reduction of cholesterol levels are the various B vitamins. From among these, niacin (B-3), folic acid (B-9) and B-12 seem to be the most effective while providing some benefit to the cardiovascular system. Vitamin C, although it doesn't actually lower the amount of the fatty substance in and of itself, promotes the presence of HDLs, which some research has shown accomplishes a reduction of the more dangerous cholesterol that causes so many problems. Vitamin E assists by keeping LDLs from going rancid and thus clogging arteries.

    Other Supplements

    • Two other natural substances that are often considered effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels are garlic and ginger root. Recent studies, however, have left some doubt in the minds of researchers as to whether garlic is as effective in this regard as previous laboratory studies seemed to indicate. Ginger, on the other hand, appears to be effective, but the reasons why are not completely understood.

    Considerations

    • The most important thing that you should remember is that plants do not contain cholesterol. Therefore, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes cannot raise the amount of low-density lipoproteins in the body. The very vitamins that can aid in lowering LDLs are readily found in plant food with the exception of B-12, which you might want to supplement. Switching to a healthy, more plant-based diet is the key. Of course, good vitamin supplements taken with a meal can be helpful, but they should only be considered as an aid; vitamins work best when combined with whole foods.

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