Lowering Cholesterol Safely and Naturally

For thousands of years many cultures have been using herbal and homeopathic medicines to cure what ails them. When it comes to lowering cholesterol there many natural remedies that work as well as many of the products produced by the pharmaceutical companies. Not all natural remedies have been scientifically tested to prove they actually lower cholesterol but for many people the proof is in their lower cholesterol test scores.

High cholesterol is a condition which affects millions of people all over the world putting them at an increased risk for high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke. Many people are able to control their cholesterol simply through dietary changes and exercise. For those who still are having trouble keeping their levels under control even with diet and exercise can try some of the following natural remedies for lowering cholesterol.

Policosanol is one of the most popular natural ways to effectively reduce cholesterol. It is a natural product made from bees wax and sugar cane that has been the subject of numerous studies. These studies have shown that there is little risk to regularly taking policosanol, which has also been proven to reduce leg cramps during exercise as well as lowering the risk for heart disease and coronary artery disease. Many people who have taken it have also had their cholesterol drop by as much as 25%.

Rice bran oil has also been studied as a viable alternative to prescription medications. There are natural compounds in the oil which have been shown in scientific studies to selectively lower the bad LDL cholesterol while at the same time helping to raise the good HDL cholesterol.

Two other easily found products, garlic and extra virgin olive oil, that can be picked up at any grocery store are two known natural food sources known to be helpful lowering cholesterol. Both can be used in everyday cooking which makes adding them to your diet very easy indeed. Another nice benefit of olive oil and garlic is their naturally occurring antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Lowering cholesterol naturally is a good way to avoid the side effects many of the well known prescription medications are known for. But it is important to have your cholesterol tested regularly to make sure your efforts are working. If diet, exercise, and these natural remedies are not doing the job then you may have no choice but to use cholesterol lowering medication.