Friday 6 January 2012

How to lower cholesterol without statins


There are many ways to lower your cholesterol without using statin drugs. And there are numerous reasons not to take statin drugs. Statin drugs have numerous side effects. The main side effects of statin drugs include liver toxicity, muscle cramps, nausea, heartburn and hair loss. Transient global amnesia is now known to be associated with statin drug use, with thousands of cases of statin drug uses reporting severe memory disturbance.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance that is made in the liver. It forms the membranes of our cells and our hormones. Even theAmerican Heart Associationagrees that cholesterol is "an important part of a healthy body." Cholesterol also occurs naturally in foods from animal sources, including red meat, dairy, egg yokes, shellfish, and poultry.
Blueberries
Blueberries have been shown to lower cholesterol in pigs. Researchers concluded that the flavonoids in blueberries give them their anti- cholesterol effect, acting as an antioxidant and protecting the blood vessels from inflammation. One study showed that blueberries reduced the LDL and HDL by 8-15 %.
Vitamins
A cholesterol lowering diet should also include Manganese, B6, Vitamin C,Vitamin K, and lots of fiber. Vitamin E has long been known to lower the risk ofheart disease. Most usage is a form of Vit E called alpha-tocopherol. Tocotrienol, another form of Vitamin E is sixty times more potent than the other kinds of Vit. E.
Fiber
Fiber in the diet aids in cholesterol reduction. Even the makers of Cheerios now advertise that their cereal reduces cholesterol. Oatmeal and oats in general are good sources of fiber. Other easy to assimilate fiber sources are potatoes and apples. Exercise also plays a big part in a cholesterol-lowering lifestyle.
Red rice yeast is one of the best supplements to use for lowering cholesterol. This is available at health food stores. Rice yeast is made from the shell of rice, and is also high in fiber.
Grapes
Red grapes are high in polyphenols that protect against both cancer andheart disease. Compounds in red grape juice can lower cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors. Drinking just 100 ml a day- even from the frozen concentrate- can lower LDL levels. Other red fruit, such as pomegranates, may have the same effect.
Maintain a cholesterol level around 160, enjoy many servings of dark colored fruits and vegetables, maintain an active lifestyle and you will enjoy good cardiovascular health.

source: Helium

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