Natures Answer To Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Heart disease continues to rise and so does the use of cholesterol lowering drugs called, statins. In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education program revised its statin drug recommendations. Under the new guidelines, those qualifying for prescription drug treatment for high cholesterol levels rose from 13 million to 36 million. This classification of drugs known as statins have very dangerous possible side effects such as nausea, dizziness, muscle pain, sleeplessness and liver damage. Back in 2002, there was a recall on a statin drug called, Baycol. It was found to be linked to over 50 deaths. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the statin drugs were eventually recalled.

Nature has something even better to offer than  statin drugs. It is a simple sugar cane extract called, policosanol that is very safe and effective in reducing cholesterol levels. It is derived from the outer waxy coating of the sugar cane plant and contains no sugar at all. In placebo controlled studies using policosanol at doses of 10 to 20 mg’s per day, total cholesterol was lowered by 17 to 21%. The LDL (bad cholesterol) was lowered 21 to 29% and the HDL (good cholesterol) was increased by 8 to 15%.  In random double blind studies, policosanol out preformed a group of popular statin drugs; Mevacor, Zocor and Pravastatin in lowering cholesterol. The side effects from a product of nature are much different than those of drugs.  Policosanol has also been found to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and abnormal blood clotting which helps  prevent strokes. It has been found to lower blood pressure where the statin drugs raise it. Policosanol  does not reduce the level of coenzyme Q 10 (very important for proper heart function) in the body as the statin drugs do. And finally, the best side effect reported by policosanol users is, weight loss.

All policosanol is not created equal. To be effective, it must be derived from sugarcane. Beware of inexpensive policosanol derived from beeswax, for this is virtually ineffective.
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We have found that those who add a fish oil and fiber supplement along with 10 to 20 mg’s of policosanol have greater success. There are some very stubborn cases of high cholesterol where additional supplements are required such as: coenzyme Q10, L- carnitine, red rice yeast, niacin, garlic, digestive enzymes, probiotics (friendly bacteria such as acidophilus) and milk thistle.

Red rice yeast or otherwise referred to as red yeast rice is also well known for lowering cholesterol. Despite the controversy that this product has encountered, we have encountered many satisfied users that have significantly reduced their cholesterol without side effects.

There is never a magic bullet, therefore proper diet an exercise is an extremely important part of achieving and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Eat sensibly. Limit red meat and sweets to once a week, fish and poultry several times a week. Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and salads. Include plenty of healthy carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, beans and grains. Drink purified spring or distilled water likes it’s going out of style. This healthy eating plan would be benefit anyone long term. 

Here’s some good advice: Fear less-hope more, eat less-chew more, whine less-breathe more, talk less- say more, hate less-love more…and all good things will be yours.

This Article provided by Mike Comeau, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.