High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy, soft, fatty substance that is produced in your body and also consumed in food. It can cause atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries and its subsequent conversion to a hard substance called plaque. Blockage of arteries that supply the heart and brain with blood can occur due to the presence of plaque; this may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Some natural supplements may be able to reduce your cholesterol levels.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is a popular natural cholesterol-lowering supplement. It is a rice extract fermented with a strain of red yeast. According to "Consumer Reports Health," red rice yeast does reduce blood levels of cholesterol. It contains lovastatin, the active ingredient found in the cholesterol-lowering medication Mevacor. Due to this fact, taking red rice yeast as a supplement may present some risks. This is because it puts you at risk for problems associated with lovastatin, such as kidney impairment and muscle problems.
Fish Oil
The American Heart Association recommends eating a nutritious diet rather than taking supplements. It does make an exception in the case of omega-3 fatty acids. Your total blood cholesterol is made of low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your blood levels of triglycerides. Available as liquid oil or oil-filled capsules, fish oil may leave a fishy aftertaste in your mouth, and cause bad breath, gas, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Garlic Extract
According to the Mayo Clinic, garlic extract may reduce your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The book "Cholesterol Cures " states that a study conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality concluded that garlic has a moderate cholesterol-lowering effect when taken for one to three months. Garlic extract may cause body odor, bad breath, gas, heartburn, nausea or diarrhea.
References
- Consumer Report: Supplements or statins for cholesterol?
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol-lowering supplements: Lower your numbers without prescription medication
- American Heart Association: Minerals and Supplements
- "Cholesterol Cures (revised)"; Editors of Rodale Health Books, William P. Castelli; 2007
- The Food and Drug Administration: Red Yeast Rice
