High cholesterol can be a result of genetics, diet, or lifestyle and can result in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Cholesterol does not directly clog arteries, but irritates blood vessel walls and can cause harmful changes. There are two kinds of cholesterol. LDL is “bad” cholesterol and is linked to heart disease. HDL is “good” cholesterol and acts protectively. The relative amount of HDL to LDL is more important than the total amount of cholesterol.
There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, which makes it very important to have your cholesterol level checked on a regular basis. Reducing dietary cholesterol and saturated fats from your diet, along with cholesterol-lowering medications and natural aids are ways to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. Several natural herbs and supplements have proven affective in helping lower LDL (bad cholesterol), and some also have helped increase HDL (good cholesterol). These supplements include fiber, soy, olive oil, glucomannan, vitamin C, niacin (vitamin B3), pantethine, chromium, L-carnitine, magnesium, chondroitin sulfate, octacosanol, and green tea.
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