Studies Show Sterols Can Help Lower Cholesterol Levels – Invite Health Podcast, Episode 6
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey. Ph
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Sterols are a fat from vegetables that lower cholesterol if taken before eating; they are safe and very effective. Sterols can be used alone to lower cholesterol or you can safely add them to your cholesterol lowering statin drug. But first, let’s discuss what cholesterol is and the impact of high cholesterol levels in your body.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in your bloodstream – it is actually needed for overall wellness but has been shown to support healthy muscle, nerve and brain health. It is essential in the creation of the hormone Vitamin D and other hormones. It also creates bile to help digest the fats and fatty vitamins in your food.
Doctors typically break cholesterol down into two parts – LDL and HDL. LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad guy” of cholesterol. When levels are elevated, it sticks to blood vessel walls and creates a build-up of plaque. This plaque can break off and travel to the brain, lungs and heart. If the LDL cholesterol exists are big particles, this can impact its flow into your blood vessel walls. When the particles are small and dense, there is easy blood flow. LDL cholesterol can also create a hardening of blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure and poor circulation.
HDL cholesterol is high density lipoprotein and is considered the “good guy” because it takes the bad cholesterol to the liver where it is broken down and can leave the body. This prevents it from building up in the blood vessels.
Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels Naturally
Sterols are natural and are found in certain vegetables and legumes and compete with cholesterol for absorption. Sterols have been shown to lower total cholesterol by 10% or better, or LDL cholesterol by 14% or better. It also doesn’t block the absorption of good fats, like fish oil or Ubiquinol. Many academic research institutions that released studies on sterols, including a published study in the Journal Atherosclerosis, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, The Department of Internal Medicine in Dallas, and Columbia University in New York, report the lowering of cholesterol within the first several weeks when taking sterols before a meal.
When you add sterols to statins, that is the equivalent to doubling the dose of a statin. So, whats the point? Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. Sterols work by blocking cholesterol from being absorbed.
A Healthy Lifestyle
Just a half an hour of exercise can help to lower your cholesterol levels naturally and raise your good cholesterol. You can split it up into segments, or focus on brisk walking. When you lose belly fat, you can improve your cholesterol.
Eating tips include including whole grains for increased fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables. The fiber helps to lower bad cholesterol but also contains antioxidants that can support healthy circulation. Tree nuts, like walnuts and pecans, and olive oil can also help lower cholesterol.
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Key Topics:
- What cholesterol is and how it impacts your body
- Naturals way to lower your cholesterol levels, including what to eat and exercise requirements
- The impact of sterols on statin drugs
