There’s no doubt that what we commonly call high cholesterol—a higher than acceptable overall level of a combination of LDL and HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) or an imbalance between the two tilted toward LDL, if untreated does lead to heart disease. Lipoprotein A, related to LDL cholesterol, adheres to damaged blood vessels and forms plaque in the vessels. Fried and processed foods tend to contain oxidized cholesterol, which is a very common cause for increased deposits of plaque on blood vessel walls.

Men older than 45 and women older than 55 tend to get atherosclerosis more than younger people. A family history of heart disease is a presupposing factor as is diabetes. Smoking is a serious risk factor, and so are diabetes and high blood pressure.

Some natural remedies are known to be effective in the treatment of high cholesterol. For example:

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
This one seems to lower the bad stuff and increase the good. It also seems to bring down levels of Lipoprotein A, another risk factor for atherosclerosis. You can get a prescription form or you will find it under dietary supplements. It does have some side effects, most objectionable of which is skin flushing or hot flashes. Taking it with meals helps.

Artichoke Leaf
There has been some research that indicates that this natural remedy may help. It has been shown, for example, to limit the synthesis of cholesterol and to increase bile production in the liver. Cholesterol excretion is increased by this speedier flow of bile from the gallbladder.

Soluble Fibre
Soluble fibre also seems to limit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Some sources:

 Psyllium powder
 Oats, barley, and rye
 Legumes
 Some fruits
 Some vegetables (carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and yams, for example)

Plant Sterols and Stanols
Some plants contain these substances. They may also be found in dietary supplements or added to margarine and orange juice. Because the structure of these substances is similar to cholesterol, they seem to block its absorption. Besides reducing total cholesterol, they seem to work hand-in-hand with other remedies.

Red Yeast Rice
This Chinese remedy is produced by fermenting red yeast over rice. Used in many Chinese dishes, it also contains Lovastatin, believed to inhibit an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. Red yeast products are becoming available; however, because they contain a substance found in prescription drugs, there is some controversy over whether its sale should be restricted. Before you decide to use this as a cure for high cholesterol, you should make certain that it does, in fact, contain Lovastatin. This ingredient, by the way, is used in prescription drugs such as Mevacor. Because of certain by-products of the fermentation process, pregnant or nursing women and children are warned not to ingest red yeast rice.