Natural Cholesterol Lowerers? These Can Help
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Leesduur: 9 min
Statins are the most well-known cholesterol-lowering medications. While they often work well, some people experience side effects or prefer not to take them long-term.
That's why many people wonder: Can it be done naturally? And in many cases, it certainly can. There are certain nutrients and plant extracts that support healthy cholesterol levels.
In this article I will mainly tell you about the substances that have been scientifically well researched and for which evidence has been found that they work.
Good to know : Officially, I'm not allowed to call these natural remedies "cholesterol-lowering," because a supplement isn't a treatment in itself. However, these substances, combined with other healthy lifestyle habits like a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, can help support healthy cholesterol levels.
Statins effectively lower LDL cholesterol, but can cause side effects, leading some people to look for natural alternatives.
Various nutrients and plant extracts, such as garlic, fiber, red yeast rice and plant sterols, have been scientifically proven to support healthy cholesterol levels.
Natural cholesterol-lowering supplements complement healthy lifestyle choices, but they are not a replacement for medical treatment; consulting a doctor is always important.
Statins are medications that inhibit cholesterol production in the liver. They primarily lower LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol.
Doctors often prescribe them to people with high cholesterol or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Because some people experience side effects from these medications, such as muscle pain, cramps or digestive problems, many people are looking for alternatives or natural substances as a supplement.
Please note: these natural remedies are aids, not medications. Never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor.
Want to support your cholesterol naturally? There are several substances that can help.
These are nutrients and plant extracts that have shown a beneficial effect on the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels in scientific studies.
You can get them through your diet, but sometimes also as a supplement. These are the most common options:
Garlic (Allium sativum) may help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. * This effect has been observed in studies primarily with a daily intake of 600 to 1200 mg of dried garlic powder or 2 to 5 mg of allicin .
Garlic powder is easy to use in the kitchen, but garlic extract is much more concentrated.
Such an extract is often used in capsules and often contains standardized amounts of the active ingredients. This ensures that each dose contains the same amount of active ingredients. (1) (2)
Some extracts have been made odorless, which makes them more pleasant to take.
Note : Garlic is not a replacement for medications like statins. If you are taking blood thinners or other medications, always consult your doctor before starting a supplement.
Monacolin K is a substance derived from red yeast rice , a fermented rice product made with a special yeast. It has a similar chemical structure to a statin, but is derived from a natural source.
In the Netherlands and the rest of the EU, supplements may contain a maximum of 3 mg of monacolin K per daily dose . This is a safe dosage for people between the ages of 18 and 70.
This restriction was set as a safety margin, because higher doses can cause side effects similar to those of statins, such as muscle pain and in some cases liver problems. (3) (4)
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. This effect is achieved with a daily intake of 2 grams of ALA.
You can get it from food (think of linseed oil, chia seeds and walnuts), but also through supplements.
It works best as part of a healthy diet, where you replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats as much as possible. (5) (6)
It is common knowledge that fiber affects your cholesterol.
You can get these fibers from food, such as oatmeal and barley products, or through special fiber preparations in supplement form.
Chitosan is a fiber typically extracted from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans. In your body, it binds to dietary fats.
This means that some fats are not absorbed, which can contribute to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. Research shows that you need at least 3 grams of chitosan per day for this. (11) (12)
Because nibbling on crab claws isn't particularly appetizing, chitosan is only available in supplement form. Always take it with plenty of water to ensure it moves through your stomach and intestines.
Please note : If you have a shellfish allergy, it is best to avoid chitosan.
Plant sterols are also good for your cholesterol levels if you consume at least 0.8g per day . These substances occur naturally in small amounts in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes.
If you take 1.5 to 3 grams per day , they can even lower LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol). And that's important because high cholesterol is a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. (13)
With consistent use, you'll often see results after two to three weeks , especially when combined with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Stick to the recommended dosage of plant sterol supplements, as too much can reduce the absorption of certain vitamins. (14) (15)
If you're taking statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs, consult your doctor first.
Good to know : Claims marked with an (*) are so-called "on-hold" claims. This means the European Commission is still assessing additional evidence on this potential health effect. The claim has not yet been officially approved, but it has not been rejected either.
Natural cholesterol-lowering agents are particularly interesting for those who want to provide additional support to their cholesterol in addition to a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.
They may also be an option for people who cannot tolerate statins due to side effects, provided this is done in consultation with the doctor.
Do you have significantly elevated levels or are you at high risk for cardiovascular disease? Then it's important to seek medical advice first . In some cases, medication is necessary to lower your cholesterol quickly enough.
Good to know : Natural remedies can sometimes be used as a supplement, but never as a replacement for prescribed treatments.
Curious about what these natural supplements can do for your well-being? Then Cholesterol Premium is a great choice from our range.
This formula combines carefully selected plant extracts and nutrients, all in a safe dosage.
Natural cholesterol-lowering medications can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, but they should not replace medication prescribed by your doctor.
For best results, combine them with habits such as a varied diet, sufficient exercise and not smoking.
Whether you choose garlic extract, fiber, plant sterols, or other statin-free options, consistent use makes all the difference.
Always consult your doctor about which choice is right for you, especially if you're taking medication. This way, you can work towards healthy cholesterol levels safely and responsibly.