Natural Approaches to Lowering Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy-like substance found in the bloodstream. It is an essential component of cell membranes and promotes healthy cell functions. However, since cholesterol and other fats do not dissolve in the blood, they therefore have to be transported to and from cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. In the case of cholesterol these carriers are called low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL).
- The major cholesterol carrier is LDL, also known as the "bad" cholesterol. If there is too much of LDL in the body, it accumulates in the arterial walls that feed the heart and brain leading to the formation of plaque inside the arteries. This may lead to clogged arteries and heart disease.
- HDL transports about one-fourth to one-third of the cholesterol. HDL is the "good" cholesterol and is believed to slow the growth of plaque formation by removing it from the body.
With heart disease being the number one cause of death in the United States, most people today understand the need to maintain high HDL and low LDL levels to promote heart health. 1
For some people, possessing low LDL counts is inherited. But for many others, diets and lifestyle play a major role. Other factors that may lead to the accumulation of unhealthy cholesterol include excess weight, lack of exercise, smoking, excess alcohol consumption and mental stress. Aging is also known to increase cholesterol levels in both men and women. After menopause, women are particularly prone to heart disease because estrogen hormones are believed to have a protective influence on the heart. The loss of estrogen is said to play a role in increasing the risk of heart disease in women after menopause. 2
Cholesterol is measured by a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. This profile provides information on the total cholesterol level, HDL and LDL counts as well as triglyceride (blood fats) count in the blood. While the total cholesterol count is important and should be less than 200 mg/dl, it is the HDL and LDL counts that are vital. More than 60 mg/dL of HDL is considered as low risk for heart disease, while an LDL count between 100 to 129 mg/dL, along with a triglyceride count of less than 150 mg/dL, is considered optimal for supporting heart health.
Several natural remedies exist for those who suffer from fluctuating cholesterol levels. Many of these have been well-researched and indicate safety and efficacy. Formulators have a wide range of scientifically supported ingredients they can choose from to meet the needs of people looking to lower their cholesterol.
The following are examples of some ingredients that are believed to help lower cholesterol.



- David Y.
- Paul H.
— Rebecca C. Victoria, TX
- J. Gamble
- Charlie W. Woonsocket, RI
— D. Margolis Piscataway, NJ
— Anthony P.
— Lewis S.
- J. Rieders
- A. Mittel
- Howard J.
- Steve V. Los Angeles, CA
- Kristen P.
- Alan W. Tampa, FL
- B. Richter
- Roger and Mary Bridgeport, CT
- E. Zinger
- Nick C.
- G. Sloan
- Douglas L.
- Daniel A.
- Josh G.
- Rhonda S.
- Karen T.
- T. Savage Kennesaw, GA
- Mike Stierstorfer, M.D.
- A. Goldman Bloomington, IN
- J. Grodsky Milwaukee, WI
- M. Whittemore Chicago, IL
- Jon K.
- Mark F.
- P. Corbett Baltimore, MD
- Gerry David
- Edward M.
- M. Danford Bakersfield, CA
- Bo L.
- Jackie H.
- Danielle G.
- Tom V.
- Steve L.
- Shelley W.
- Pam C.
- Marc G.
- J. Smith
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J. Shell
- C. Davis
— Rick A. Greensboro, NC
— Carlos T. Scarborough, ME
— Beth F.
— Kelly and Sean Loveland, OH
— M. Furman Marietta, GA
— Timothy D. Sedona, AZ
— M. Detrone Monroe, NY