Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in a persons’s blood and in their cells. There are two forms of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the unhealthy kind of cholesterol often referred to as ‘bad’ – high levels of LDL cholesterol can damage a person’s arteries, contribute to heart disease, and increase their risk of having a stroke. Fortunately, making dietary tweaks can lower LDL cholesterol, including taking certain supplements.
Those given the oregano oil had lower “bad” LDL cholesterol
Oregano
Oregano is a fragrant herb growing in mountainous Mediterranean regions.
It’s a popular staple in Italian, Greek and Spanish cooking.
Studies have shown that oregano oil may help lower cholesterol.
In one study, 48 people with mildly high cholesterol were given diet and lifestyle advice to help lower their cholesterol.
Thirty-two participants were also given 0.85 ounces (25 ml) of oregano oil after each meal.
After three months, those given the oregano oil had lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, and higher “good” HDL cholesterol, compared to those just given diet and lifestyle advice.
As Holland and Barrett reported, no safe upper limit has been established for oregano, although the normal amount of fresh or dried oregano people use in food is unlikely to cause any side-effects.
Red yeast rice
Fermented red yeast Rice is a staple of Indonesian cuisine but it is also available as a supplement.
For many years now red yeast rice has been used as a natural remedy to help lower cholesterol levels and to promote heart health.
One study involving 25 people demonstrated how red yeast rice lowered total cholesterol by an average of 15 per cent and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by 21 per cent over a duration of two months.
An eight-week long study in 79 people showed similar effects.
It found participants taking 600mg of red yeast rice twice daily had significantly reduced ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels, compared to a control group.
Doses have ranged from 200 to 4,800mg in clinical studies but people should always follow the advice on the label.
Oyster mushrooms
According to Dr Oz, oyster mushrooms can help to lower high cholesterol.
As he explained, oyster mushrooms contain lovastatin and beta-glucans.
Lovastatin reduces cholesterol production in the liver and beta-glucans help the body eliminate cholesterol.
In one study, five people ingested 10 to 15 grams of dried oyster mushrooms daily over a period of a month.
This resulted in an average decrease in total cholesterol levels by up to 30 per cent.
Click here to find out what other dietary decisions can help to lower cholesterol.
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