## What Supplements Should You Take to Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend taking medication to lower it. However, there are also a number of natural supplements that can help lower cholesterol.

Here are some of the most effective supplements for lowering cholesterol:

* **Plant

sterols and stanols:** Plant sterols and stanols are compounds that are found in plants. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Studies have shown that plant sterols and stanols can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 10%. * **Soluble fiber:** Soluble fiber is a type of dietary fiber that dissolves in water. It can help lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids in the intestines and preventing them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Bile acids are made from cholesterol, so when they are not reabsorbed, the liver has to use cholesterol to make new bile acids. This can help lower cholesterol levels.

* **Niacin:**

Niacin is a type of vitamin B3. It can help lower cholesterol by increasing the production of HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, niacin can also cause side effects, such as flushing, itching, and nausea.

* **Red yeast rice:**

Red yeast rice is a type of fermented rice that contains compounds called monacolins. Monacolins are similar to the active ingredient in the cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin. Studies have shown that red yeast rice can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 30%.

* **Green tea extract:** Green tea extract is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol. Studies have shown that green tea extract can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 5%.

supplements body Try Here If you are considering taking supplements to lower your cholesterol, talk to your doctor first. Some supplements can interact with medications, so it is important to make sure that they are right for you.