Supplements for proper cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your body and also obtained from food. This substance plays a key role in your health, but it is also important to get cholesterol under control to prevent potential health problems. Cholesterol is essential to the body because it plays a role in the formation of cell membranes, the production of hormones (including steroid hormones such as testosterone and cortisol), and the formation of bile acids, which are necessary for the digestion of fats.

Types of cholesterol

Cholesterol is carried in the blood by two main types of lipoproteins:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) - LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) - HDL is referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Risk for heart disease

• A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease. When LDL cholesterol builds up on artery walls, it forms atherosclerotic plaques that can narrow the vessels and limit blood flow, ultimately increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Cholesterol control

• Reducing the risk of heart disease includes maintaining cholesterol levels at a healthy level. This can be achieved by a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, adequate physical activity, weight control and possibly medication if necessary.

Dietary recommendations

• A healthy diet includes eating foods rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Limit your intake of foods containing saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods and cold meats.

What ingredients can help manage cholesterol?

• Artichoke - can help the body get rid of excess cholesterol. Several clinical studies have shown that artichoke lowers LDL cholesterol.
• Pantethine - pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, and its metabolites act on the metabolic pathways of body fat and cholesterol. Clinical studies have shown pantethine's ability to lower LDL and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol.
• Indian gooseberry (amla) - traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, it has a beneficial effect on blood lipids by reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides - one direct study even showed it to be comparable to simvastatin.
• Garlic - The benefits of garlic on blood lipid profiles have been confirmed in numerous reviews and over 30 clinical studies. Garlic can lower total cholesterol and LDL, as well as triglycerides. Garlic also has beneficial effects on blood pressure for additional cardiovascular benefits.
• Plant sterols - are steroid molecules found in plants that can compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, thereby lowering LDL levels. Numerous clinical studies have repeatedly shown that plant sterols are effective in lowering LDL.
• Soluble Fiber - the cholesterol-lowering effects of soluble fiber, such as beta-glucan, pectin, and those from oats and barley, have been supported by hundreds of clinical studies. Soluble fiber intake is also associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
• Coenzyme Q10 - well known for its effect on cardiovascular health. Statins, the first-line drugs for treating high cholesterol, suppress CoQ10 levels. For those taking statins, it is also advisable to supplement with CoQ10. In addition, CoQ10 can lower total cholesterol and increase HDL.
• Pomegranate - contains a high amount of polyphenols, especially punicalagins. Several placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that pomegranate can lower total cholesterol and LDL in people with high cholesterol, and can also improve other parameters indicative of atherosclerosis.
• Other natural ingredients such as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, hesperidin, guggul/guggul, carotenoids, fish oil, niacin, red yeast rice and others may also be beneficial.