MORE ABOUT NATURAL WAYS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL LDL AND HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA EATING CERTAIN NATURAL FOODS MAY CAUSE CHOLESTEROL DROP LIKE LOW DOSE STATIN

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A number of natural ways have been suggested to lower cholesterol and triglycerides besides drugs. Among the foods that are known to lower cholesterol are oats and some nuts. Omega 3 is prescribed by doctors to lower high triglycerides. Many people take medication for high LDL cholesterol. Especially for very high "bad" LDL cholesterol, drugs like the statins, Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor are certainly appropriate. Some people also take drugs for high triglyceride fats (hypertriglyceridemia) or to raise HDL "good cholesterol." The most popular drugs to lower cholesterol, the statins, such as Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor and Mevacor work great. But many people can't tolerate the statins or are afraid of side effects.









People wonder Can a bowl of oatmeal prevent a heart attack? How about a handful of walnuts or even a baked potato with a plant sterol margarine? ( a plant cholesterol look alike). The FDA in the late 1990's permitted the claim that oatmeal fiber could improve cholesterol (see below). Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces LDL bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber appears to reduce cholesterol absorption. Five to ten grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. eating 1.5 grams of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber.



Studies have shown that walnuts can reduce blood cholesterol. Almonds may also lower cholesterol. I read a figure that said "a cholesterol lowering diet in which twenty percent of calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent". I am not sure,though, who besides a squirrel would get 20% of calories from walnuts.

Click here to learn more about university studies of natural foods and ways to lower cholesterol



And of course, the omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 especially from fish oil has been implicated in protecting the heart. Omega 3 has been confirmed to lower triglycerides and in fact doctors prescribe omega 3 for high triglycerides called hypertriglyceridemia.





As far as cholesterol and oats and oatmeal the FDA stated "In allowing this health claim, FDA concluded that the beta-glucan soluble fiber of whole oats is the primary component responsible for the total and LDL blood cholesterol-lowering
effects of diets that contain these whole oat-containing foods at appropriate levels. This conclusion is based on review of scientific evidence indicating a relationship between the soluble fiber in these whole oat-containing foods and a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease".

Fda Talk Paper on Oatmeal and Cholesterol

Cholesterol: The best foods to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart