If you have decided that you want to avoid cholesterol medication if it all possible, then cholesterol lowering supplements are something you should be aware of.
As you may already know, many of the medications designed to reduce high cholesterol have some severe side effects.
As many as 25% of all individuals who try these medications find that they cannot tolerate them.
Many even end up with muscle or organ damage.
Supplements to reduce cholesterol are a great alternative to medication.
However, you should be aware that there are many worthless products on the market today so let's take a look at the types of ingredients that have been proven most effective for reducing cholesterol.
When you shop around for cholesterol lowering supplements, here are some of the ingredients that have scientific research behind their ability to reduce high cholesterol.
1.
) Plant Sterols-Sterols are naturally occurring substances that are found in all types of plants.
The interesting thing about these substances is the fact that virtually everyone in the scientific/medical community agrees that they are effective for reducing cholesterol.
Even the FDA has approved health claims for the ability of sterols to bring down cholesterol readings.
This is due to the fact that the molecular makeup of sterols and cholesterol are almost identical.
It is believed that sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption into the bloodstream, minimizing the amount of cholesterol that actually is absorbed.
2.
) Policosanol-This is a mixture of natural alcohols that have been extracted from sugar cane which has had extensive research performed on it surrounding its effectiveness for reducing cholesterol.
It is believed that policosanol reduces the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
3.
) Rice Bran Oil-Rice bran has been found to be effective in reducing cholesterol.
However, the surprising thing about it is that it appears to be the oil that is effective, not the bran itself.
As you consider which cholesterol lowering supplements are the best, keep in mind that phytosterols have the most research surrounding them.
Any of the supplements to reduce cholesterol should have an ingredients list that centers around sterols.
The combination of a cholesterol lowering diet that is rich in high fiber foods and has eliminated saturated fat content as much as possible, and cholesterol supplements is a powerful way to reduce cholesterol readings quickly.
I invite you to visit my website where I have a thorough discussion of the best natural ways to support healthy cholesterol levels.