The human body contains cholesterol, and it is a well-known consideration that too much of it can have unhealthy implications. But why is that? And what over-the-counter supplements are an easy means to help regulate cholesterol? Here, we answer those two questions with answers helpful to your health.
Why Does Cholesterol Matter for Our Health?
First, any health-conscious person should know that cholesterol is a natural substance that is contained in the cells of the human body. In fact, it is in every cell in the human body. There are multiple types of cholesterol, some of which benefit the heart, and others that can put you at risk for damage if present in excessive levels. The roles of cholesterol mean that different types can have positive or negative implications for your health.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that contributes to particular functions in the body, including hormone production and the manufacture of bile acids that enable the digestion of fats. Taken together, the bodily level of all cholesterol types (and fats called triglycerides) combined is what is known as “total cholesterol.” A total cholesterol level that is too high puts a person at risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes risk of heart attack, stroke, and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol is moved around the body through the blood stream. Excessive cholesterol levels become a risk when particles - called “plaque” - collect and build up within the bloodstream.
The risk is highest in correlation to levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol does not present the same level of risk and is beneficial in removing unhealthy cholesterol. However, even too much HDL can present some risk. There are many ways to manage your cholesterol levels through practicing healthy lifestyle patterns, including good nutrition, as well as prescribed medication.
Supplements for Regulating Cholesterol
A variety of supplements have properties that can help manage cholesterol levels. Here, we look at four of the best ones. Taken properly, one or more of these can be an effective addition to sound diet and lifestyle choices, to keep cholesterol levels in check.
Berberine is a natural substance found in goldenseal, Oregon grape, and other plants. It has a bitter taste and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Berberine has been used as a remedy for many things, but research shows that it can effectively help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In fact, a berberine supplement could work as well as statin drugs for this purpose. 500 to 1500mg of berberine taken daily could help manage and reduce cholesterol.
Flaxseed is a recommended plant-derived substance that has been shown to help reduce LDL cholesterol by a significant margin in some people. Evidence suggests that the benefits increase the longer you take flaxseed. Some studies have shown that flaxseed is especially effective for cholesterol levels when taken alongside prescribed medication.
Psyllium husk is a natural fiber that can provide multiple benefits, including lowering LDL cholesterol. Taken in powdered form mixed with water, psyllium husk forms into a gel-like consistency. As it is digested, psyllium helps move cholesterol and bile acids out of the digestive tract so that they will then be expelled during bowel movements.
Red yeast rice: The extract of red yeast rice, available in supplement form, could help reduce cholesterol. Red yeast rice is another plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, and it is effective in hindering the production of certain enzymes that contribute to the production of cholesterol. The active ingredient in red yeast rice is monacolin.
If you have high cholesterol or are at risk for it, then you ought to take the available steps to reduce it. Taking one of these choice supplements is an easy and effective way to help mitigate high cholesterol. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.