Having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, in your blood can increase your chances of heart attack and stroke. One of the most common treatments for high cholesterol is statin drugs, which a doctor may prescribe to lower LDL cholesterol. However, long-term use of statins can have a number of side effects such as muscle pain and weakness, impaired memory, liver damage, kidney damage, and others. As an alternative to medication, you can try making lifestyle changes and taking supplements to lower your high cholesterol. Here are some of the top supplements for high cholesterol that may help.
1. Red Yeast Rice
One of the best supplements for high cholesterol is a red yeast rice supplement. Red yeast rice is white rice that has been fermented with yeast, and it is commonly eaten and used for medicine in China. Studies have shown that supplements that contain red yeast rice may be able to lower cholesterol because they contain monacolins compounds. These compounds have a similar chemical makeup to the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. Red yeast rice may also support the health of the arterial lining for additional cardiovascular support.
2. Time Release Niacin
Niacin is a B vitamin that is often suggested for patients with high cholesterol or heart concerns. As one of the top supplements for high cholesterol, niacin may increase levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, or good, cholesterol), lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides in the blood. Time Release Niacin utilizes a unique wax-coated technology to reduce the flushing effect and allow you to get more of the benefits of niacin over the course of seven to eight hours.
3. Bergamot Complex
Bergamot Complex is another one of the great supplements for high cholesterol. This supplement contains a powerful formula of cholesterol-balancing and cardio-protective polyphenolic flavonoids. Several studies have shown that bergamot may help reduce bad cholesterol as well as increase good cholesterol. The bergamot orange extract found in the Bergamot Complex supplement works at the level of the liver to help maintain and support healthy cholesterol levels as well as control normal inflammatory balance to preserve coronary arteries.
4. Cholesterol Support
If you’re looking for supplements for high cholesterol that contain multiple beneficial compounds, try Cholesterol Support. This formula is designed to effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart attack. This supplement contains red yeast rice extract, niacin, garlic extract, coenzyme Q-10, phytosterols, and a number of other natural compounds that work together to decrease levels of bad cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol in your blood.
More Ways to Lower High Cholesterol and Improve Heart Health
These are some of the best supplements for high cholesterol that may help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition to taking supplements, you may also need to make some lifestyle changes. To improve cholesterol levels, you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and heavy drinking. You should also eat a heart-healthy diet that includes these great foods for heart health to help lower your high cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
