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Natural Cholesterol Reducing Agents

To reduce cholesterol levels, doctors usually prescribe a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to patients as well as stress-reduction and exercise programs. If within six months or so the diet does not reduce cholesterol levels, the doctor then prescribes a cholesterol-lowering medication. These medications are meant to supplement the low-cholesterol and low-saturated-fat diet.

  1. Natural Supplements

    • There are many natural dietary supplements that are prescribed and sold as cholesterol-reducing agents. Some of the most popular supplements available in health-food stores include garlic, soy and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Most of these agents promote cardiovascular health in addition to reducing cholesterol levels. They are potent antioxidants that help protect elastin and collagen from oxidation and damage, and strengthen connective tissues.

    Hawthorn

    • Hawthorn is a shrub native to Europe. Its flowers, berries and leaves contain a high percentage of medical compounds, including flavonoids (vitexin, quercetin and rutin) and oligomeric procyanidins (OCPs). Various studies have shown that hawthorn helps to lower blood cholesterol levels by diminishing atherosclerotic plaque, increasing coronary blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Adverse responses to hawthorn are rare, but it may contradict with other medicines, particularly antiarrhythmic medications, cardiac glycosides, antihypersensitive medications and beta-blocker drugs.

    Omega 3 Fatty Acids

    • The American Heart Association recommends the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy diet plan. Found in oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and trout, omega-3 fatty acids reduce LDL and increase HDL levels in the body. The AHA recommends one serving of oily fish at least twice a week.

    Soluble Fiber

    • Soluble fiber such as oat bran and oatmeal act as LDL cholesterol reducing agents. The recommended intake for soluble fiber is 5 to 10 grams daily, which can reduce LDL cholesterol levels up to 5 percent in just a few days.

    Policosanol

    • Extracted from sugar cane wax, policosanol is a mixture of long-chain alphatic alcohols and its main component is octacosanol. Sold as a supplement, this compound is known to lower blood cholesterol levels in healthy humans and patients with type 2 hypercholesterolemia.

    Red Yeast Rice

    • Red yeast rice essentially is rice fermented with red yeast. It is known scientifically as monascus purpureus. Studies show that dietary supplements that incorporate red yeast rice significantly decrease the total levels of cholesterol in subjects who are hyperlipidemic. Red yeast rice inhibits cholesterol production by retarding the HMG-CoA reductase action in the liver, thereby reducing the endogenous production of cholesterol.

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