Although cholesterol often gets a bad rap, its plays a crucial role in vitamin D synthesis as well as the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. However, too much cholesterol, especially low density lipoprotein or LDL, can form plaque inside artery walls that increases the risk for coronary heart disease. Research indicates that certain supplements can be effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
Artichoke Dry Extract
Scientists from the Novartis Consumer Health GmbH in Germany investigated the impact of artichoke dry extract in patients with high cholesterol. In the report, which was published in the March 2000 issue of the journal "Arzneimittelforschung," lead investigator Werner Englisch and colleagues discovered that participants taking 1,800mg of artichoke extract per day for six weeks experienced decreases in LDL cholesterol compared to those receiving a placebo.
Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein might reduce LDL cholesterol, according to a study conducted by Dr. James Anderson and researchers from the University of Kentucky. Obese subjects randomly received either a soy-based or milk-based beverage for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, which was reported in the June 2005 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," scientists observed that the soy group lowered their LDL cholesterol levels compared to the milk group.
Grape Seed Extract and Chromium
Georgetown University Medical Center researchers investigated the impact of the combination of grape seed extract and chromium in men and women. Lead author Dr. Harry Preuss and colleagues reported in the December 2000 issue of the "Journal of Medicine" that subjects taking grape seed extract and chromium together experienced significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels. In addition, the group reduced the oxidized form of LDL, which can be deposited into artery walls and cause heart disease.
Psyllium
Increasing your intake of soluble fiber through supplements such as psyllium might have positive effects on LDL cholesterol levels. Lisa Brown, from the Harvard School of Public Health, led a team of researchers who performed a review of 67 studies regarding the relationship between dietary soluble fiber intake and cholesterol levels. The report, which was published in the January 1999 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," concluded that soluble fiber significantly decreases LDL cholesterol.
References
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of Artichoke dry extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia
- Science Daily: Soy Appears To Lower Cholesterol And Blood Sugar Levels, Aid Weight Loss
- Science Daily: Grape Seed Extract And Chromium Show Promising Results For Improving Cardiovascular Health
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis
