What are some nonprescription ways to improve cholesterol levels?

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

Some nonprescription ways to improve cholesterol levels include weight loss (if overweight), regular aerobic exercise and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Your total cholesterol levels should be below 200. Anything higher should prompt a trip to the doctor’s office. In addition to the treatment she or he recommends, add coconut oil to your meals as a substitute for butter and other unhealthy, saturated fats. In fact, adding just 1 tablespoon to your diet per day will help raise your HDL, or healthy cholesterol levels, to protect your arteries. You can also include red yeast rice supplements as part of your daily routine to help lower cholesterol. They work just like the class of prescription drugs known as statins, blocking the enzyme that produces bad cholesterol. Take 1,200 mg twice daily to get your cholesterol under control.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Cholesterol

We need cholesterol, a fatty, waxy substance because our cells use it to form the membrane -- a critical part of the cell. But because it is fatty, it does not dissolve in the blood, but is carried to your cells by certain proteins. We get concerned about cholesterol when there is too much of it, particularly when there is too much "Low-Density Lipoprotein" or LDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease. On the other hand, there is High-Density or HDL cholesterol, which is "good" cholesterol, and good levels of HDL are associated with less risk of stroke and heart attack.

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