Natural Alternatives for Lowering Cholesterol
A high cholesterol level can result in a number of  health problems. Leading a healthy life requires you to have low level of LDL (low density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol. In fact, high blood cholesterol is the reason behind many of the cardiovascular diseases and cardiac risk. Cholesterol is a kind of fat which tends to be deposited against the walls of the arteries resulting in clogged arteries. The blocking of the arteries obstructs the flow of blood to the brain resulting in heart attack or stroke.

Prescription based medication for lowering cholesterol may have some serious side effects. If you are against taking cholesterol medication, you can take the help of some of the alternatives to lower your cholesterol. There are a number of natural products with which you can lower your cholesterol level. These natural products do not have any side effects and help to reduce cholesterol.

One of the most easily accessible medications to reduce cholesterol is Vitamin B3 or niacin a part of the B vitamin group. Medical research has established that niacin helps to reduce LDL cholesterol by 10% and triglycerides levels by as much as 25%. It also helps to increase your HDL cholesterol levels by 30%.

Soluble fiber binds to food in the intestines and prevents absorption of cholesterol by the body.  Oats, barley beans, peas, apples, prunes, berries carrots are a few examples of high fiber cereals, vegetables and fruit that help to reduce cholesterol absorption by the body.      

Plant sterols and stanols are naturally occurring substances in seeds, nuts, legumes, cereals and other plant based foods. These substances are similar in structure to cholesterol and block the absorption of cholesterol.

If we look at nature, there are a number of alternatives that we can use to lower cholesterol. These alternatives do not disturb the natural balance of the body. You should consult your doctor before taking any of these in a supplement form.
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