13 Natural Supplements that Lower Cholesterol

Statin drugs for lowering high cholesterol rake in $20 billion dollars a year. In fact, the best-selling drug in the world is Lipitor, a drug that lowers cholesterol, but not without many side effects for many people. Side effects of statins are many, including muscle pain. Some side effects are very serious, though serious life-threatening side effects are rare. Nevertheless, why settle for chemicals when you can manage your cholesterol naturally, without worrying about side effects? Below is your supplement arsenal for lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol.

Cinnamon. Comes in supplement form, and studies show it can lower cholesterol, especially in diabetics.

Garlic. Most garlic supplements, which come in gel cap, capsule and tablet form, contain about 500 milligrams of its powerful compound, allicin. Studies indicate that about 900 mg/day produce optimal health benefits, including the potential to considerably lower bad cholesterol.

Sprinkling garlic powder in foods will provide only a fraction of that 900 mg; and few people can actually eat an entire clove of garlic every day. Thus, supplements are necessary for potency.

Green tea extract. Supplements are better because they don't have caffeine, and one capsule is equivalent to five cups of tea (depending on capsule potency).

Guggulipid. This supplement, from the mukul myrrh tree, lowers both LDL and triglycerides, and raises HDL.

Magnesium. Studies show that the enzyme that deactivates HMG-CoA requires magnesium, a mineral important in calcium absorption. It's considered to be a reductase controller that also helps lower LDL and triglycerides, and raises HDL.

Niacin (vitamin B-3). In supplement form, this is also known as nicotinic acid, nicotinate and niacinamide. Unlike statins, niacin raises good HDL cholesterol, while of course lowering LDL.

Omega-3 fatty acids. The safest and most practical source of omega-3s is the fish oil supplement.

Pantethine. This is vitamin B-5, and lowers both LDL and triglycerides, and raises HDL.