01:57 PM Thursday, December 14, 2023
Written by – Nada Najid
High levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood are linked to several factors, including genetics, age, and dietary pattern, and high levels can lead to an increased risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and strokes.
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In the following lines, Al-Consulto presents a list of the most prominent nutritional supplements that reduce the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood, according to what was published by the “Health Line” website.
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Nutritional supplements to reduce harmful cholesterol levels
1- Niacin
It is a B vitamin, and doctors sometimes suggest it to patients with high cholesterol or heart problems.
Yacin increases the level of good cholesterol and reduces triglycerides, which are other fats that can clog the arteries. You can get niacin from foods, especially liver and chicken, or from supplements.
Do not take supplements unless your doctor recommends it, as doing so can cause side effects like itchy skin, redness, nausea, and more.
Read also: 7 types of tea that reduce blood cholesterol levels
2- Psyllium supplements
Psyllium is a fiber made from the seed husks of the Plantago ovata plant, and you can take it in pill form or mix it with drinks or food.
Eating psyllium regularly has been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels.
It also relieves constipation and can lower blood sugar in diabetics.
3- Phytosterols
Phytosterols are plant-derived waxes that prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol, and are naturally found in whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
4- Soybeans
Soybeans and foods made from them can slightly lower bad cholesterol.
Tofu, soy milk and steamed soybeans are a good source of lean protein, which means eating them instead of fatty foods like beef can reduce the total cholesterol in your diet.
5- Garlic
Garlic helps prevent heart disease, and is thought to have other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, but the cholesterol-lowering effect of garlic is still unclear.
6- Red yeast rice
It is white rice that has been fermented with yeast, and some red yeast rice supplements have been shown to lower cholesterol, because they contain monacolin K, which has the same chemical structure as lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication.
Experts warn against excessive consumption of red yeast rice, because it may also cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and muscles.
7- Ginger
One 2014 study showed that ginger can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while a 2008 study showed that it can reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and boost “good” HDL cholesterol.
You may be interested in: Winter drinks that reduce blood cholesterol levels
8- Flax seeds
Flaxseeds and the oils extracted from them are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have a number of health benefits, including raising HDL cholesterol levels.
2023-12-14 12:00:51
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