Cholesterol is a natural byproduct of the liver and a necessary component of good health. Normal cholesterol is essential for cellular repair and development. It plays a critical role in the improvement of memory and learning, is the precursor to vitamin D production, and synthesizes sex hormones and natural steroids — which control blood sugar, fluid balance and blood pressure. It helps to convert fats in the liver, and is a potent antioxidant acting to scavenge free radicals and reduce metabolic syndrome.
The American Heart Association notes that cholesterol isn’t dissolved in the blood and must be transported throughout the body by lipoproteins. Research indicates that HDL, the high-density “good” cholesterol, guards the cardiovascular system. LDL, or low-density “bad” cholesterol, can build deposits on arteries. Problems occur when HDL levels are reduced, creating inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Too little HDL cholesterol prevents production of pain-controlling steroid hormones, limits the body’s ability to properly digest foods, and damages the body’s ability to create energy reserves. Too little HDL leads to pain and inflammation, which is the real cause of heart disease, according to the latest studies.
Natural remedies and cures for normal cholesterol levels
Natural remedies and cures help maintain normal levels of cholesterol without the need for pharmaceutical drugs that produce dangerous side effects.
Red Yeast Rice
Chinese red yeast rice helps balance normal levels of cholesterol. Red yeast rice contains monacolins, which are naturally occurring and used by the body to make a chemical inhibiting the production of cholesterol. One monacolin in particular, lovastatin, has been extracted and used in popular statin drugs, thus causing the FDA to view natural red yeast rice as an unproven drug and banning it in the USA.
Consuming moderate amounts of natural red yeast rice as part of an overall diet helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. Extracting the active ingredient from the rice and using it in a drug formulation amplifies its effects, and may produce both muscle and kidney injuries. Supplies of red yeast rice supplements sold in the USA at this time do not contain any of the active ingredient to reduce cholesterol levels.
Green Tea
Green tea contains various compounds that lower LDL cholesterol levels. A study performed in Brazil where subjects consumed green tea extract in capsules caused a 4.5 percent lowering of LDL cholesterol levels.
Nuts
Eating nuts regularly, especially walnuts and almonds, may help reduce cholesterol levels of LDL cholesterol.
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B-3 helps lower LDL cholesterol levels as much as 10 percent and raises HDL cholesterol levels by 15 to 30 percent. Because of its many side effects, niacin should only be used under the supervision of a health practitioner.
Read more: Natural News