Sometimes in the battle against high cholesterol it is easy to look past the obvious and affordable, in favor or prescription medications. This could be a mistake! Many of the natural products to lower cholesterol listed in this article you have probably walked by hundreds of times in your local grocery store, as you were thinking about how to squeeze in your 30 minute workout, or worrying about how to get your blood lipid profile back in balance. If it is any consolation I have done the same thing on numerous occasions. In this article we will briefly touch on ten natural products to lower cholesterol that are affordable, and in plain sight at your local grocery store. These are not the only ones, maybe not even the best ones, but nevertheless studies show that all ten will in fact lower your cholesterol.
*Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice is high in antioxidant properties and recent research suggest it can raise good cholesterol levels.
*Grape juice: Dark colored grape juice contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant which has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and protect the lining of the arteries. Make sure the sugar content of the product you choose is reasonable.
*Buttery spreads containing stanols and sterols: Stanols and sterols are plant extracts that block cholesterol absorption in the intestines, thus lowering bad cholesterol by as much as 10 percent.
*Soy milk with stanols and sterols: One study showed that soy milk lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol while reducing ones risk for type 2 diabetes. Throw in the stanols and sterols and you have a winner.
*Oat meal: At least at my grocery store oat meal on the bottom shelf and could be easily passed by, but if you are looking for natural products to lower cholesterol look no further than oatmeal. It is very high in cholesterol fighting soluble fiber, as well as being affordable. Oat bran is also a good choice if oatmeal is not to your liking.
*Flax bread: Flax bread contains three elements that are good for your heart; fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA, an omega 3 fatty acid found in plants.
*Mixed nuts: Mixed nuts containing almonds and walnuts are high in cholesterol busting plant sterols, fiber and heart healthy fats. They have been shown to help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the probability of acquiring diabetes. On the downside they are high in calories so use in moderation.
*Canned sardines: Canned sardines are one of those cold water fatty fish you have heard so much about. Substituting sardines for high fat snacks is a good plan. If you decide to implement this strategy be sure and bring along the breath mints!
*Olive oil: This is one of the better natural products to lower cholesterol on our list. Olive oil is high antioxidant polyphenols, and well monounsaturated fats. Studies show olive oil lowers troublesome LDL, keeps healthy HDL levels stable, and protects the blood vessels.
*Mustard: Mustard has been around for thousands of years and even today is one of the tastiest and most affordable condiments. Substituting mustard in recipes and for mayonnaise on sandwiches is a smart cholesterol lowering choice.
In summary, this list provides you with a great starting point to make your own list of natural products to lower cholesterol. Additionally, many people are finding that by combining heart healthy foods with natural cholesterol reducing remedies they have been able to achieve even better results.