Lowering Cholesterol - Some Natural Alternatives And Remedies

Lowering cholesterol is often just a matter of changing your diet or exercising more frequently. But sometimes that just isn't enough. Medication may be needed. And while the recommendations of your doctor should never be ignored. more and more people are turning to the use of natural remedies.

It seems like there's been an entire movement towards herbal and other natural remedies recently. Not just for lowering cholesterol, but for all kinds of ailments. The problem with this of course is that many of these products are untested, and the science behind them is unproven. However there are several natural remedies that have had good results in lowering cholesterol. Some show results as significant as their counterparts that are manufactured.

We all understand that high cholesterol levels are dangerous. Millions of people have elevated levels, and chances are many of them don't even know it. The result is an increased risk of potentially fatal illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Perhaps the most studied natural remedy for lowering cholesterol is policosanol. It's a simple product made from sugar cane and bees wax. Many studies over the last 5+ years have provided good results. These studies show virtually no risk involved in taking policosanol regularly. And those same studies show that people taking it for the purpose of lowering cholesterol have a decreased their bad cholesterol by up to 25%. In addition, policosanol has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis and leg cramping while exercising.

Other scientific studies have shown that rice bran oil is also effective in lowering cholesterol, and therefore can be effective as an alternative to prescription medications. These studies show not only a reduction in the body's bad cholesterol, but the promotion of producing good cholesterol from the natural compounds contained in the oil.

Finally, there are things you can pick up at your grocery store that can also help. These are things that you probably use anyway like extra virgin olive oil and garlic. Both have proven to be effective in lowering cholesterol. Simply add these ingredients to your meals. Not only will this help lower your cholesterol levels and keep your heart healthy, both have also been proven to have both antiviral and antibacterial properties as well.

If you're hesitant to try prescription medications, you might first try some of the natural remedies listed above. But before starting on anything, whether it be a prescription or herbal solution, always consult with your doctor.