Lower Bad Cholesterol Without Drugs These are Recommended Supplements That Can Be Tried

JAKARTA - Supplements are now increasingly used as a companion to a healthy lifestyle, including to help control bad cholesterol levels or Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL).

Although not a substitute for medical drugs, some types of supplements are known to have benefits in helping to lower bad fat levels in the blood while maintaining heart health if consumed properly.

High cholesterol levels, especially LDL, are known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, in addition to diet and exercise, some people also consider taking supplements to help control it.

Citing Hindustan Times, doctor Kunal Sood said that there are a number of supplements that have been studied to have benefits in lowering LDL levels, improving fat metabolism, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Here are some of them:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

This supplement is widely known for its benefits for heart health. Main contents such as EPA and DHA help lower triglyceride levels by reducing the production of Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) in the liver and accelerating the removal of fat from the bloodstream.

"Studies show a decrease of about 20-30 percent in triglycerides, which helps improve lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Sood. He also added that omega-3 plays a role in supporting overall fat metabolism.

2. Garlic extract

Garlic contains active compounds such as allicin which plays a role in suppressing cholesterol production in the liver. In the form of an extract, the benefits are considered more practical and effective, especially for individuals with high cholesterol levels.

According to Dr. Sood, compounds such as allicin and S-allyl-cysteine work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in cholesterol formation.

3. Green tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines as well as inhibit its formation in the liver.

"Catechins in green tea, especially EGCG, can reduce cholesterol absorption and inhibit its synthesis in the liver. Analysis of studies shows a moderate but consistent decrease in LDL and total cholesterol," he explained.

4. Plant sterols

Plant sterols have a structure similar to cholesterol, so they can "compete" in the absorption process in the intestine. This makes the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream less.

"This reduces the amount of cholesterol entering the circulation and increases its excretion through the feces. Meta-analyses show that an intake of about 0.6 to 3.3 grams per day reduces LDL cholesterol by about six to twelve percent," said Dr. Sood.

Although these various supplements can help, it is important to keep up with a healthy lifestyle and consult a medical professional before consuming them regularly.