A recent study found daily supplementation with a derivative of Vitamin B5, Pantethine, could reduce Cholesterol levels even more than dietary changes alone.
120 North American participated in this study. All participants underwent a therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) diet one month prior to the beginning of the study. The researchers added the TLC diet to eliminate any bias dietary influences could play in the study results. After the TLC participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily Pantethine supplement or a placebo. The study lasted 16 weeks.
The group receiving the Pantethine and maintaining the therapeutic lifestyle change diet saw significant reductions in Total Cholesterol (6mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (4 mg/dl) and Apolipoprotein B (4 mg/dl) compared to the group taking the placebo. Apolipoproteins are proteins that bind lipids (oil-soluble substances like cholesterol and fat) to for lipoproteins. Apolopoprotein B is the main Apolipoprotein of LD cholesterol and is responsible for transporting cholesterol into the tissues.
Using a variety of Statin drug trials, researchers have demonstrated for every 1% reduction of Total Cholesterol/LDL Cholesterol there is a 1% reduction in global Cardiovascular Disease. In this study a final lowering of LDL cholesterol of about 9% was seen between supplementation and the TLC diet.
A few limitations in this study were seen even though the study confirmed that Pantethine lowers both Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol. One limitation was that even after the 16 week study period the measured parameters never reached a plateau which makes it difficult to predict the outcome of any long-term Pantethine supplementation.
Here are some additional natural products that could help support healthy Cholesterol levels:
Policosanol:
In clinical studies Policosanol, usually derived from cane sugar, has been shown to work as effectively as medications to lower cholesterol. After 24 weeks, Policosanal lowered LDL Cholesterol by approximately 27% and Total Cholesterol about 16%. Policosanol has also been beneficial in promoting healthy blood platelets (preventing sticky platelet clumping).
Chromium:
Chromium is a trace mineral and has been proven to promote healthy HDL (good) Cholesterol and supporting a healthy balance of Total Cholesterol levels. There is some research that shows that between 15 and 200 mcg of Chromium daily for 6-12 weeks lowers LDL (Bad) Cholesterol and Total Cholesterol in individuals with high or even slightly high Cholesterol levels.
No-Flush Niacin:
The No-Flush form of Niacin contains inositol hexaniacinate. Since it contains neither nicotinic acid nor nicotinamide the body, in theory, should slowly convert the inositol hexaniacinate into nicotinic acid easing the flushing effect of niacin while keeping blood levels of niacin high throughout the day. No-Flush Niacin supports the metabolism of fat and cholesterol by the body. There are many good studies that show that Niacin can increase HDL Cholesterol and lower Triglycerides. Niacin can also modestly lower LDL Cholesterol according to clinical studies.
Guggul:
Guggul is one of the most valuable Ayurvedic botanicals used to support the heart and healthy Cholesterol levels. Extracted from the resin of a shrub related to myrrh Guggul grows naturally in India and Arabia. Guggelsterones, the phyto-nutrient that occurs in Guggul contains many constituents including plant sterols which work effectively to support healthy Triglyceride and Total Cholesterol levels and healthy blood platelets. It is believed that plant sterol are helpful in reducing cholesterol absorption in the body.
Garlic:
Garlic is one of the most widely purchased herbal supplements used to help support healthy Cholesterol levels. Research studies utilizing both humans and animals show Garlic is able to lower Cholesterol levels. Garlic has lowered Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels by as much as 20 mg/dl in human studies. In addition to providing support for healthy Cholesterol and blood platelets, Garlic has been shown in clinical studies to be effective in lowering Blood Pressure as well.
Green and Black Tea:
Both Green and Black Tea provide antioxidant protection against the oxidation of the LDL Cholesterol while working to support healthy Cholesterol levels as well healthy blood platelets.
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