Cholesterol Support

Over 70 million Americans have problems with their cholesterol. Cholesterol Support products promote overall wellness; in particular they support cholesterol levels already within a normal range.** Additionally, Cholesterol Support products:

• Optimize cardiovascular health.**
• Encourage healthy circulation.**
• Supply antioxidant activity.**

What is Cholesterol?

Essential for life, cholesterol is a lipid (or fat) needed to construct and maintain cell membranes. The compound is also changed into bile acids in the liver, contributing to the digestive process in the intestinal tract, and functions as a sterol, facilitating the body's production of hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol circulates throughout the bloodstream via lipoproteins, primarily as part of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), widely known as "bad cholesterol," or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), generally referred to as "good cholesterol." When the proper balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol is not maintained, cardiovascular health issues can result. **

The CDC has reported that more than an estimated 70 million people in the United States, approximately 33.5% of all American adults, have LDL cholesterol levels that are raised above the ideal range. Among this population, only 1 out of every 3 people have a handle on their blood lipid levels. Since there are no obvious indicators of elevated cholesterol aside from a doctor's assessment, many are unaware of existing issues.**

Cholesterol supplements help to maintain blood lipid levels already within normal range. Individually or in cholesterol supplements with multiple ingredients, these compounds also aid in maintaining overall cardiovascular health. Some cholesterol supplements feature antioxidant activity, which works against harmful oxidative stress and may assist optimal circulatory function. **

Conventional cholesterol support products are commonly available and in widespread use. However, natural cholesterol supplements are derived from plants, along with other sources, and may present fewer, if any, adverse effects.**

The following nutrients are often found in natural cholesterol supplements:

• Plant Sterols: Also known as phytosterols, plant sterols are botanical compounds similar to cholesterol on a molecular level. In the body, plant sterols vie with cholesterol for absorption. Through this activity, researchers have found that the nutrients help to limit the concentration of LDL in the circulatory system, making them well-regarded as cholesterol supplements. In addition to plant sterols' cholesterol support, studies have shown that the compounds encourage overall cardiovascular health.**
• Red Yeast Rice: A time-honored staple of Chinese culture, red yeast rice has been extensively used in the nation's cuisine and traditional wellness practices. With its noted antioxidant qualities that act against harmful oxidative stress, red yeast rice also is highly valued for its ability to foster healthy cardiovascular function. **
• Policosanol: An extract of natural waxes from rice and sugar plants, policosanol contains beneficial fatty alcohols. Research has indicated that the compound encourages cardiovascular wellness most prominently through its cholesterol support. Investigations have suggested that policosanol influences ideal blood lipid levels, assisting in optimal equilibrium between LDL and HDL cholesterol while also imparting other circulatory health benefits. **
• Garlic: With its potent flavor and scent, garlic is a plant valued primarily for its bulb. Widely used in health traditions and culinary dishes throughout the world for centuries, garlic is one of the most renowned cholesterol supplements. In addition to promoting blood lipid balance, garlic has a reputation for supporting overall cardiovascular wellness and exhibiting antioxidant activity, largely due to its key compound, allicin. **
• Omega 3-6-9: This group of essential fatty acids (EFAs) is a selection of nutrients that the body needs but can only receive from dietary or supplemental sources. Omega 3-6-9 includes omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid), omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) and omega-9 fatty acids (oleic acid). While omega 3s are best known for cholesterol support and overall circulatory wellness, omega 3-6-9, either combined or as individual EFAs, also help to maintain cardiovascular health. Among the various nutrients that commonly contribute to omega 3-6-9 are aquatically sourced fish oil and krill oil, as well as flaxseed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil, which are cholesterol supplements extracted from plants. These essential fatty acids have also been investigated for numerous other wellness benefits, including antioxidant content, inflammation modulation and immune system support.**

Cholesterol Support Products

Cholesterol products are available as capsules, softgels, tablets and liquids. Some cholesterol supplements are also offered in other forms such as seeds (flaxseeds) and powders. Garlic cholesterol supplements are sometimes presented as odorless products for those who don't care for its strong fragrance. Combined supplements for cardiovascular or cholesterol support often feature two or more of these nutrients.  **

Cholesterol Support Products Directions for Use

Before starting any supplement regimen, including cholesterol supplements, consult with your health care professional. There is no regular recommended cholesterol support dosage. Nutrients in cholesterol supplements may vary widely, with capsules, softgels and tablets frequently between 20 and 1,200 mg.**