According to the American Heart Association, high cholesterol--a waxy, fatty substance--is a major risk factor for heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. Currently, there are many natural ways to help decrease cholesterol levels. Many people take the diet and exercise approach to naturally lowering their cholesterol; however, some people may decide to use vitamins and minerals as part of their wellness regimen to help keep cholesterol levels balanced and prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Vitamin C
A study completed at Tufts University established that 1,000 mg of vitamin C could raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels up to 7 percent. Vitamins C's main component is collagen, which is a protein that aids in the building of connective tissues and cartilage; it is also major part of blood vessels. Vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant, can help reduce atherosclerotic plaque from forming in arteries. Vitamin C can help in increasing fibrinolytic activity. This activity is responsible for removing certain cholesterol plaque from the arteries. Vitamin C can also help maintain cholesterol levels.
B Vitamins
According to the American Heart Association, helpful vitamins for reducing cholesterol are the B vitamins. Niacin, which is part of the B-complex group, may lower bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as well as raise good HDL cholesterol. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are also very important in lowering cholesterol because they can significantly decrease homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood. When homocysteine is elevated, it can cause heart attack or stroke. A good B complex may help lower cholesterol levels.
Chromium Picolinate
Americans are deficient in the mineral chromium, possibly due to our over-consumption of refined sugar. In a study that was published in the "Western Journal of Medicine," researchers discovered that chromium picolinate reduced high cholesterol. This study showed that the bad cholesterol went down, and discovered that good cholesterol was elevated.
Vitamin E
A study conducted at Oregon State University concluded that vitamin E can decrease HDL levels. It can also can act as an antioxidant and defend your cells against damage, preventing artery-clogging oxidation of cholesterol. According to the National Academy of Sciences, Americans are only consuming half of the recommended daily allowance of this potentially life-saving vitamin.
References
- American Heart Association
- The Western Journal of Medicine 152:41-45,1990
- Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements; Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 1996
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