* Millions of Americans suffer from high cholesterol and its effects
* These supplements can help combat this in a non-invasive way
* Many are also GMO and additive-free
There are over 100 million Americans currently suffering from high cholesterol, with 35 million of these people having levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, meaning they fall into an even bigger risk category.
There are a variety of reasons why people may suffer from high cholesterol, including everything from diet and exercise habits, to inherited pre-existing conditions. While the first step is always consulting a doctor to discuss the best treatment and management options, there are also non-invasive, natural ways that you can combat high cholesterol. Extensive research has been done in the field, and researchers have found that many plants contain beneficial nutrients that can improve circulation and heart health.
Fortunately for us, these plants and nutrients have been distilled into easy-to-take supplements, that are readily available over the counter. Explore the seven supplements listed below to find the one that best suits you.
1. Cholesterol-Lowering Plant Stanols in Benecol Soft Chews
It seems to good to be true – chocolate that can lower your cholesterol? These soft chews contain plant stanols that are naturally found in cereals, fruits and vegetables and have appeared in over seventy clinical studies as a natural cholesterol reducer. They recommend consuming two grams of stanols daily (roughly four soft chews), and the delicious chocolate flavor ensures that you won’t see this as a chore.
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2. Jarrow Formulas Red Yeast Rice
This supplement is a combination of Red Yeast Rice, which has been used for years as a flavor and color agent and has known cholesterol-reducing properties, and CoQ10, which serves as an antioxidant and helps stimulate energy production. This combination is particularly beneficial in the treatment of high cholesterol, as many medicines that help to lower cholesterol can limit the enzyme that helps create CoQ10, so this supplement works to combat that.
3. Natures Bounty Niacin Flush Free 500 mg
Niacin is a member of the B Vitamin family, and according to Berkeley University, has been shown to lower cholesterol by up to 30%, as well as reduce triglycerides. Additional health benefits include improvements in skin health, as well as assisting in the conversion of food to energy.
4. Viva Naturals Organic Psyllium Husk
If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, doctors recommend a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber, which psyllium husk is full of. Each serving contains four grams of soluble fiber, and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It also doesn’t have a particularly strong flavor, so you can easily throw it into your morning juice or smoothie.
5. NatureWise Organic Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed is packed with Omega-3s, which count improved heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease among their many benefits. This oil by NatureWise has a high concentration of ALA, which means that you are maximizing your intake of flaxseed by only consuming a single soft gel.
6. Himalaya Guggul
This plant-based extract contains 4,698 mg of powder derived from the Guggul plant, which has been clinically proven to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It also contains no GMOs, and is gluten, wheat and soy-free. Other than helping maintain cholesterol levels, it also promotes digestive health.
7. Herb Pharm Certified Organic Artichoke Liquid Extract
Artichoke leaf extract can help support your cardiovascular system, and increase your circulation, as well as help combat high cholesterol. This liquid format is easily absorbed, and each extraction batch is small to ensure maximum potency, so you’re getting the most bang for your buck.