One of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is the increase in cholesterol levels in the blood. However, it is important to note that the level of “bad” or LDL cholesterol is much more significant than the total cholesterol level. Below, we will take a closer look at why lowering cholesterol is critical. And what proven natural options are available for lowering cholesterol.
What is cholesterol and why is it needed?
Cholesterol is commonly referred to as blood fat. In fact, it is a soft waxy substance that is produced 70% by the liver and 30% comes from food. Cholesterol is not the enemy of the body when present at normal levels. The human body needs cholesterol for building cells and producing bile acids, sex hormones, and vitamin D.
Why should elevated cholesterol be lowered?
High cholesterol is associated with faster artery hardening, or atherosclerosis. Persistently elevated cholesterol levels are one of the most important risk factors for heart and cardiovascular diseases and are particularly dangerous because the person does not feel anything.
It is not possible to accurately assess the risk of heart disease based solely on total cholesterol levels. The most important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is LDL cholesterol. Every adult person should know their LDL cholesterol level and their target LDL cholesterol level. The target value for LDL cholesterol depends on existing diseases and risk factors.
What is LDL cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is a group of lipids whose job is to transport cholesterol to the tissues. LDL cholesterol is called “bad cholesterol” because this form “stores” excess cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels and causes vascular calcification or atherosclerosis.
Vascular calcification occurs over decades and does not show symptoms until more serious complications arise – heart attack and stroke. That is why bad cholesterol is also called the “silent killer“.
What should the target value for LDL cholesterol be?
Maintaining LDL cholesterol within normal limits is crucial for heart health. You don’t need to wait until you start feeling bad. It is better to start cholesterol-lowering treatment earlier than later.
Bad cholesterol or LDL should remain below 3 nmol/l in healthy individuals. For accompanying diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, the LDL cholesterol norms are stricter and should remain below 1.4 nmol/l.
What can be done to lower LDL cholesterol?
If the cholesterol level is not very high, it can be somewhat lowered with proper nutrition. It is beneficial to follow the Mediterranean diet – eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, and nuts.
According to studies, diet therapy can lower cholesterol by 5–15%, but no more than that. If the cholesterol level is significantly elevated, diet alone will not be enough to normalize it.
Doctors do not prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications lightly, as it is a lifelong treatment. Initially, attempts are made to lower cholesterol through lifestyle and dietary changes.
What is Chinese fermented red rice?
Chinese fermented red rice extract is often confused with the red rice sold in stores. They are entirely different products, and the red rice sold in stores does not have a cholesterol-lowering effect.
Cholesterol-lowering red rice is obtained by fermenting white rice. During this process, the rice acquires its characteristic red color, which later contains the natural cholesterol-lowering compound Monacolin K.
In Chinese traditional medicine, Chinese fermented red rice has been used for over 1200 years to stimulate the body, promote digestion, and restore circulation.
Today, red rice extract-containing supplements are consumed to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels and protect cardiovascular health. The effectiveness of red rice supplements is the most well-documented in clinical studies among natural products.
Why choose red rice supplements?
Among natural options, capsules of fermented red rice standardized extract are the most well-documented in terms of effectiveness. It effectively lowers both total and bad cholesterol levels.
Moreover, red rice supplements are well-tolerated with long-term use and have significantly fewer side effects compared to statins. Most clinical studies have shown that using red rice supplements does not cause an increase in liver enzymes or kidney damage.
Red rice supplements are recommended as the first step alongside lifestyle changes. Although, under certain conditions where cardiovascular risk is too high, red rice supplements are generally not the first choice. In such cases, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and not alter the treatment plan on your own.
How long should you take red rice supplements?
Cholesterol treatment is usually lifelong. To maintain cholesterol control, one must closely monitor their diet, exercise, and medication usage alongside lifestyle changes. Red rice tablets also belong to the group of cholesterol-lowering medications.
Which red rice supplement to choose?
When selecting a red rice supplement, follow these three simple recommendations. Prefer a supplement where:
* The Monacolin K content is 2.99 mg;
* The red rice is free of citrinin;
* In addition to red rice, antioxidants in the style of the Mediterranean diet are also included.
Monacolin K content
Monacolin K is a natural statin that effectively lowers cholesterol. In Estonia, as of 2022, the maximum safe daily dose of Monacolin K is 2.99 mg. Therefore, when selecting a red rice supplement, it is important to ensure that it contains the maximum allowed dose of Monacolin K.
Citrinin-Free
Citrinins are toxins produced by several fungi as a result of the fermentation process. While citrinin contamination in food is typically accidental, it is a normal part of red rice production.
Getting cholesterol under control is one thing, but maintaining that control is another. Prefer a supplement that does not contain citrinin, which several red rice supplements may have. Only citrinin-free red rice supplements are a safe and reliable long-term choice.
Antioxidants
In addition to red rice, cardiologists recommend taking antioxidants for heart health. Antioxidants effectively lower LDL cholesterol, prevent its oxidation, and stop it from penetrating the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to further harmful effects.
Prefer a supplement that, in addition to red rice, also contains antioxidants based on the Mediterranean diet to keep blood vessels healthy and smooth. Healthy, intact blood vessels do not experience calcification or pose a risk for blood clots.
Take care of your heart health!
