Supercharge Your Health – Top 5 Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

Are you ready to supercharge your health and take control of your cholesterol levels? We all know that keeping our cholesterol in check is important for a healthy heart. But sometimes, even with a balanced diet and regular exercise, our cholesterol levels need a little extra push. That’s where cholesterol lowering supplements come into play.

In this article, we are diving headfirst into the world of cholesterol lowering supplements, highlighting the top five supplements that can supercharge your journey to healthier cholesterol levels. But before we unveil these powerful options, let’s take a moment to understand the basics and explore some effective strategies for lowering cholesterol.

 

A Brief Overview of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally produced by your liver and is also found in certain foods we enjoy. It plays a vital role in the body, serving as a building block for cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. However, having high levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems.

There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries, forming plaque and leading to blockages. When blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain is compromised, it can result in serious health consequences, including heart attacks and strokes.

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. It transports LDL cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body. By carrying out this role, HDL cholesterol helps maintain a healthier balance of cholesterol and reduces the risk of plaque formation in the arteries.

 

Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

Lowering your cholesterol levels is an essential step toward maintaining good heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease. Fortunately, you have the power to take control and make a positive impact on your cholesterol levels through simple lifestyle changes. Here are some effective strategies to help you reduce your cholesterol levels.

 

Diet Changes

One of the most significant contributors to high cholesterol is the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats. These unhealthy fats can be found in fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty cuts of meat. By making simple changes to your diet, such as choosing lean proteins like chicken and fish, opting for whole grains, and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, you can significantly reduce your cholesterol levels.

 

Exercise

Physical activity is a fantastic way to boost your heart health and lower cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. Engage in activities you enjoy to help keep you on track, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Exercise not only helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels but also promotes weight management, which can further aid in cholesterol reduction.

 

Decrease Stress

Chronic stress may contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and participating in activities that bring you joy can also help reduce stress levels. Remember to prioritize self-care and take time for yourself.

 

Medicines

In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to lower cholesterol levels, especially if you have a genetic predisposition or other risk factors. Statin medications, such as Lipitor and Crestor, are commonly prescribed to help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if medication is necessary for you.

 

Supplements

Alongside lifestyle changes and medication, certain supplements may help support your efforts in lowering cholesterol levels. While supplements should not be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle or prescribed medications, they can be a beneficial addition to your overall cholesterol management plan. Let’s take a brief look at two leading supplements known for their cholesterol-lowering properties.

 

Plant Sterols

Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, thus reducing LDL cholesterol levels. If you are looking for supplements to lower LDL, including plant sterols in your diet can be an effective method.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing LDL cholesterol levels. They can also help increase HDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the body. If you don’t consume enough omega-3-rich foods, taking supplements of fish oil for cholesterol can be a convenient way to incorporate these beneficial fatty acids into your diet.

Now let’s explore the top 5 cholesterol lowering supplements and their specific benefits and effectiveness.

 

Top 5 Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

 

1) Nature Made CholestOff Plus

                 

Nature Made has been one of the most trusted supplement brands for a very long time, and it’s products like their CholestOff Plus that help them earn it. This product has over 3,800 reviews on Amazon that average out to a 4.6 star rating, and there are lots of comments like this one: “This pill in addition to dietary changes (less meat) helped my total cholesterol go from 260 (yea I know wowzah) to 221 in a matter of 3 months!” CholestOff Plus is made with Reducol™, a proprietary blend of stanols (phytosterols) and plant sterols proven to lower LDL. Plant stanols can yield great results when it comes to lowering cholesterol, and the NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program) even recommended you take 2,000 milligrams as part of a special diet, however, most people only get about 200 MGs as part of their regular diet. Nature Made held clinical trials approved by the FDA, and with the proper lifestyle changes it was proven to lower LDL cholesterol levels significantly.

 

2) Garlique Garlic Extract Supplement – Odorless & Vegan

                           

This odor-free, taste-free, and drug-free garlic supplement by Garlique is a great option for anybody looking for supernatural remedies that don’t taste and smell like crap. Allicin is the main active ingredient in garlic that helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and the garlic used in Garlique is very potent, containing high levels of allicin – 500 mcg per caplet. A lot of people are hesitant to take these types of supplements since lots of them are made in China and other countries that don’t have the same regulatory processes as the US, but you can ease your mind because Garlique is 100% made in the USA. They contain no soy, no gluten, and are 100% vegan. If the prospect of lowering your cholesterol isn’t enough to make you click “buy now” on this product, then you should also know that allicin is proven to help prevent certain cancers, lower blood pressure, help with muscle recovery, and protect your body against certain infections.

 

3)  Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

   

This high-potency fish oil supplement has EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which research shows helps lower cholesterol, helps with heart health, brain health, eye health, immune health, and may even put you in a better mood. Since this is one of the best selling cholesterol lowering supplements on Amazon with over 45,000 ratings and a near perfect 4.7 star rating, we felt we would be doing you an injustice to not include it in our top 5 list. Nordic Naturals is the #1 fish oil brand in the US, and they claim to have a formula that makes it so you don’t get those nasty fish burps, it’s supposed to be better absorbing too. The fish these are made with are wild-caught omega-rich fish, and all ingredients are non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, and made with no artificial preservatives or flavors. Each serving (2 soft gels) has 1,280 mg of Omega-3s, and they even make gummy chews that come in a seemingly delicious tropical fruit flavor.

 

4) Standard Process Cardio-Pus Tablets

                       

These Cardio-Plus tablets from Standard Process are a bit more expensive than a lot of the heart and cholesterol supplements on the market, but considering what’s in them it might very well be worth it. Selenium, choline, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, and vitamin C all work together here to provide a unique blend that is not only supposed to decrease cholesterol, but also increase blood flow and oxygen during exercise. With their proprietary Bovine Heart PMG, Standard Process seems to have put together something really special here. With almost 1,000 ratings on Amazon with a 4.8 star review, it’s clear that it works. After going through lots of the reviews, you can see people take this for many more reasons outside of lowering their LDL, such as lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, and to help with asthma. One person even said: “This product has substantially lowered the high blood pressure for my husband, a stroke victim, preventing any additional drugs that cause him problems. It’s a miracle supplement. We can’t go live without it.” Standard Process is a US company owned by a Wisconsin-based family, and they have been making high quality nutrient-dense supplements to help people for three generations now. If you’re having trouble with deciding on a supplement, this could be the way to go.

 

5) Dr. Stephanie’s 24 Hour Cholesterol Support Capsules

                                           

If you want a very affordable effective option, then check out these capsules by Dr. Stephanie Redmond. Dr. Redmond is called the “Diabetes Doctor” by her patients, and that’s because of her extensive track record in helping people with issues from cholesterol, to blood pressure, to blood sugar, and more. This product does not have any sneaky or scary ingredients. The main compound present that helps with lowering your LDL is garlic, and as we explained above it’s the allicin within the garlic that does the trick. The other main active ingredients in these capsules are green tea extract (caffeine-free, helps clear cholesterol through natural ways), red yeast rice (helps increase healthy LDL by supporting HDL levels in the liver), and policosanol (promotes HDL production – “good” cholesterol). Dr. Stephanie made these pills because she was frustrated with the lack of viable products available, and for such an affordable price we think they could be worth a shot.

 

Wrapping Up: Supercharging Your Cholesterol Health

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is vital for overall well-being and heart health. By making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, participating in regular physical activity, and managing stress, you can make significant progress in managing your cholesterol levels. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs, including the potential incorporation of cholesterol supplements like plant sterols and omega-3 fatty acids.

Remember, supplements should always be used as part of a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management, and it’s essential to seek professional advice before starting any new supplement regimen. With dedication and the right tools, you can supercharge your health and achieve optimal cholesterol levels for a happier, healthier life.