Food supplement to lower cholesterol
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Cholesterol-Lowering Food Supplements: An Overview
Red Yeast Rice: A Potent Cholesterol-Lowering Supplement
Red yeast rice has been shown to significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total triacylglycerol levels in hyperlipidemic individuals. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants who consumed 2.4 grams of red yeast rice daily experienced a notable decrease in total cholesterol from 254 mg/dL to 208 mg/dL over 8 weeks, compared to the placebo group. This suggests that red yeast rice can be an effective food-based approach to lowering cholesterol levels.
Plant Sterols and Stanols: Effective in Various Forms
Plant sterols and stanols are well-documented for their LDL-cholesterol-lowering effects. A meta-analysis of clinical trials revealed that plant sterol/stanol supplements can reduce LDL cholesterol by approximately 12 mg/dL, similar to the reduction achieved through sterol/stanol-enriched foods. Additionally, combining plant sterols with other ingredients like high molecular weight oat β-glucan can enhance their lipid-lowering potential, leading to significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Soy Protein: Consistent LDL Cholesterol Reduction
Soy protein has been recognized for its cholesterol-lowering properties. A meta-analysis of 46 studies identified by the FDA demonstrated that soy protein intake at a median dose of 25 grams per day can decrease LDL cholesterol by approximately 4.76 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 6.41 mg/dL. This supports the inclusion of soy protein in diets aimed at reducing cholesterol levels.
Flaxseed: Complementary to Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
Dietary flaxseed has shown promise in lowering cholesterol levels, particularly in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A study found that consuming 30 grams of milled flaxseed daily resulted in a 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol within one month. Furthermore, flaxseed supplementation provided additional LDL-cholesterol-lowering benefits when used alongside cholesterol-lowering medications.
Strawberries: Enhancing Antioxidant Effects in Cholesterol-Lowering Diets
Adding strawberries to a cholesterol-lowering diet can improve its antioxidant effects. In a study involving hyperlipidemic subjects, strawberry supplementation reduced oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol and maintained reductions in blood lipids. This suggests that incorporating antioxidant-rich fruits like strawberries can enhance the overall effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering diets.
Conclusion
Various food supplements, including red yeast rice, plant sterols and stanols, soy protein, flaxseed, and strawberries, have demonstrated significant cholesterol-lowering effects. These supplements can be used alone or in combination with other dietary interventions to effectively manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Incorporating these supplements into a balanced diet, under the guidance of healthcare professionals, can provide a natural and effective approach to cholesterol management.
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