11 supplements that LOWER cholesterol

Payal Banka, Lifemojo.com
Maintaining a proper and healthy cholesterol level is very important. By having a healthy cholesterol level, you can avoid so many health problems.

Today 'cholesterol' seems to be the buzzword for dieticians all across the globe. High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Given, today's unhealthy diet patterns, it is no wonder that majority of the population is suffering from high cholesterol levels.

The best way to get rid of extra cholesterol from your body is to exercise. However, people are so busy tackling their jobs and social life that they do not have the time to exercise. But there are a few natural supplements that will help you reduce your cholesterol levels.

Here are a 11 cholesterol lowering supplements that will help you get rid of excess cholesterol.
1. Fish oil
Fish is well known to contain the essential fatty acids -- Omega 3 which is a natural triglyceride-reducer and an effective aide in heart maintenance. Research has proven that including omega-3 fish oil supplements in your diet helps lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.

2. Flaxseed oil
Another source of omega 3 fatty acid, adding flaxseed oil to your diet helps lower triglycerides and buildup of fats in the liver

3. Green tea extract
Green tea extracts is also helpful in controlling cholesterol levels. The antioxidants present in green tea prevent further oxidisation of LDL thus helping you fight the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

4. Barley
The soluble fiber, beta glucan, present in barley plays a role in binding cholesterol to bile acid (necessary for fat digestion) and then facilitating its excretion through the fecal route. When the bile acids are excreted, the liver uses up more cholesterol to form new bile acid, thereby further reducing the total cholesterol level in the circulation

5. Soybeans
Substituting meat sources of protein by soy protein has been shown to prevent coronary heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, soybeans also contain very good amounts of fiber. When eaten, the fiber in soybeans binds to fats and cholesterol in food, so less is absorbed.

6. Guggul
Guggul contains a mixture of lipid steroids called guggulipid, which have a cholesterol-lowering effect and helps in maintaining normal ranges of cholesterol levels.

7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal also contains a soluble fiber, beta-glucan, that helps reduce LDL. Just 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber every day will decrease your LDL cholesterol by 5 per cent. A study confirms that having a bowl of oatmeal everyday reduces the CVD risk by 10 percent.

8. Garlic extract
Garlic is a natural remedy for all cholesterol related problems. It has sulfur-based compounds known as allyl sulfides and other phytochemicals that help lower cholesterol naturally. Two to three cloves of garlic should be consumed in the morning on empty stomach.

9. Red yeast rice
Red yeast rice is a fungus that grows on rice which contains small amounts of a naturally occurring lovastatin -- form of statin. Various red yeast rice preparations have been shown to lower LDL by around 20 to 30 percent.

10. Fenugreek
Fenugreek (methi) contains a significant amount of dietary fiber that has cholesterol-lowering effect.

11. Pumpkin seed oil
It contains essential fatty acids which help to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.

As you can see, if you are searching for a way to supplement your lifestyle with a cholesterol reducing supplement, there are a number of options available. Pick the one that gives you maximum result and combine it with daily exercise for a holistic benefit.

The above is from a newsletter I receive from Rediffmail.
I am taking some of the items and so can vouch for their efficacy.
#1 is out for me as I am a veggie.
#2, I do not take the oil but I take the roasted and powdered flax seeds , three teaspoons every morning.
#5, We use Soyabean oil as the preferred medium for cooking in our home.
#8 too is no-no, as it makes the whole body stink, throughout the day. I had an acquaintance who used to take garlic. Every time he entered my room, I had to open the window.
#10, I do not take the seeds but in the powdered form. It is good for diabetes also.
The others I have not tried yet.
If anybody has, I would like to receive their comments.