High cholesterol is when a person has too much cholesterol (a fatty substance) in their blood. It’s mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol, according to the NHS. The health body advises you can lower cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. But some experts have found the taking the following supplements to be effective.
High cholesterol is mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb and a common ingredient in Indian cooking. Available in supplements form it’s believed to have numerous health benefits.
As well as helping control diabetes and blood sugar levels, fenugreek has been found to benefit cholesterol levels.
Some evidence indicate fenugreek can lower cholesterol and levels.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble fibre derived from the roots of a south-east Asian plant called the elephant yam.
It’s often used as a bulking agent in foods, but is also available as capsules and powder.
According to a systemic review of 14 studies, glucomannan can lower total cholesterol by 19 mg/dL (0.5mmol/L).
The review also noted glucomannan can lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by 16mg/dL (0.4mmol/L).
It primarily reduce blood cholesterol by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the guy.
Spirulina
In a 2018 meta-analysis of research, Chinese scientists found spirulina supplements to have a “favourable effect” on improving LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood).
Spirulina was also found to help reduce blood glucose levels, which led the team to the conclusion it could be considered in the “prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in humans.”
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in freshwater ponds and lakes, explains Holland & Barrett.
It adds: “It’s packed with nutrients, including B vitamins, beta-carotene, copper and iron, as well as small amounts of magnesium, potassium and manganese.
“You can take spirulina in tablets, capsules or as a powder that can be added to shakes and smoothies for a nutritional boost. It’s also increasingly popular as an ingredient in snack or energy balls.”
There is no official recommended daily dosage for spirulina, but studies have found between 1-8g a day could be effective.
The high street health store adds: “Make sure you follow any instructions or recommendations on the product label before taking.
“Talk to your GP or a trained dietician or nutritionist if you’re concerned.
“You should not take spirulina if you are pregnant – there’s not enough evidence to prove it is safe, have an auto-immune disease – it may cause the condition to flare up, or are taking blood-thinning medication – it may slow blood clotting.
“If you are on any medication, check you your doctor that it is safe to take spirulina at the same time.”
Before trying any supplements to lower choelsterol, speak to your GP.
Activated charcoal supplements have also been proven to help lower cholesterol.
Source: Read Full Article