High levels of cholesterol are a major contributing factor to the prevalence of ischemic heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in Bermuda.

We cannot ignore the risks associated with high blood cholesterol levels. It increases the risk of heart attacks, coronary heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Fortunately, there are ways to manage high cholesterol levels, including supplements.

This blog post will discuss supplements that lower cholesterol levels, how they work, and other lifestyle changes that can improve overall health.

The Importance of Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for overall heart health. The body requires cholesterol, a waxy substance found in the blood, to perform essential functions. There are two main types of cholesterol:

• low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol
• high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol

LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries walls, causing plaque to form and restricting blood flow through the body. In contrast, HDL cholesterol helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carry it back to the liver for processing and elimination.

Lowering LDL cholesterol levels and increasing HDL cholesterol levels can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. On the other hand, retaining healthy cholesterol levels can help improve overall heart health, increase energy levels, and promote well-being.

What Supplements Lower Cholesterol?

In this section, we’ll highlight some of the best cholesterol supplements that effectively support heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

1. Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower cholesterol levels through several mechanisms. Firstly, they can reduce the production of triglycerides, a type of fat contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries. Secondly, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart problems. Lastly, they can increase HDL cholesterol levels, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

2. Resveratrol

A growing body of research suggests that resveratrol may be a powerful tool in promoting heart health. It may be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in at-risk individuals and treating those with progressing cardiovascular conditions. The ability of resveratrol to prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and avoid blood clots are all interconnected and contribute to its ability to promote overall cardiovascular health.

3. Curcumin

In 2021, a review of multiple studies was conducted to investigate the impact of curcumin on cholesterol levels. Based on the review results, curcumin significantly reduced one type of lipid in more than two-thirds of the studies. The effect on cholesterol reduction was even more remarkable in studies using curcumin in its bioavailable form.

In addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties, curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help prevent damage to blood vessels and promote overall heart health.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics may be a surprising supplement to reduce cholesterol, but studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. In general, Lactobacillus probiotics have a significant impact on reducing both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. In particular, certain strains, such as L. plantarum and L. reuteri, are particularly effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

5. Vitamin K2

Among the vitamins for high cholesterol, vitamin K2 has shown significant benefits for cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. Specifically, vitamin K2 helps to activate a protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP), which helps to prevent calcium buildup in the arteries. This buildup, also known as calcification, can lead to the hardening of the arteries and an increased risk of heart disease.

By activating MGP, vitamin K2 helps to prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and improve overall cardiovascular health. Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of vitamin K2 intake have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke.

6. Magnesium

This mineral helps to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol, similar to the effects of statin drugs. Magnesium regulates the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase , which is necessary for cholesterol production in the body. When magnesium levels are deficient, excessive cholesterol production can occur, leading to a buildup and increased risk of coronary heart disease.

In addition to its cholesterol-lowering effects, magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation, vital for maintaining cardiovascular health.

7. Vitamin C

Are you curious about what other vitamins lower cholesterol? Next in line among the vitamins that can help regulate cholesterol is vitamin C. Ascorbic acid plays a role in managing cholesterol levels. According to certain studies, vitamin C supplements may lower LDL cholesterol. A buildup of LDL cholesterol in the body raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, vitamin C may benefit heart health through its antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C reduce the effects of free radicals. As free radicals accumulate in the body, they can cause chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin C reduces inflammation and prevents plaque from building up in arteries. Excess plaque can increase heart disease risk in the long run.

8. L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid essential in several physiological processes, including nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is a gaseous molecule that can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Additionally, NO can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by inhibiting its oxidation, which is a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis.

Premier Vascular Support contains an extended-release nitric oxide precursor designed to increase the level of L-arginine in the bloodstream. L-arginine is a vital amino acid known to be an essential nutrient for heart health.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Cholesterol Levels

While cholesterol-lowering supplements can be helpful, you should not use them as a replacement. You should use it with a healthy lifestyle to make it more effective. Here are some other lifestyle changes to help lower cholesterol levels.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and being overweight lead to higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. By eating nutritious foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Seek nutrition and weight management programs to help start your journey.
2. Quit smoking to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels and damages the lining of the blood vessels.
3. Limit alcohol consumption to avoid high blood pressure and triglyceride levels. When these two are high, it can lead to higher LDL cholesterol levels.
4. Chronic stress can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Take steps to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques or seeking support from a therapist.

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels!

At Premier Health & Wellness Center, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve optimal cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and high-quality supplements. We believe that a holistic approach to health is essential for achieving optimal well-being, and these supplements are just one of the many tools we use to help our clients achieve their health goals.

Visit us at our physical stores in Hamilton, Bermuda, or make an online purchase at www.premiernutraceuticals.com. Please feel free to contact us if you require any additional information. Simply give us a call at 441-292-5111 or send an email to info@premierhealth.bm.