2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are found chiefly in fish oils and have been shown to prevent blood clotting, inhibit inflammation, and lower triglyceride levels. Omega-3 can be taken in supplemental form, or naturally in the form of flaxseed, rapeseed and evening primrose oil.
3. Green Tea:
Several compounds that interfere with the process of atherosclerosis can be found in green tea. The phytochemicals (or polyphenols) found in green tea appear to improve the metabolism of lipids and lower cholesterol. These compounds also act as antioxidants.
4. Plant Sterol Esters:
In recent years, plant sterol esters have been used in products such as margarine, and salad dressing, as they inhibit the absorption of LDL cholesterol from the intestines, thus hastening its excretion. Sterol esters are taken from natural substances occurring in pine trees and soybeans.
a. Garlic:
Garlic has been shown to have powerful blood thinning properties,
which negate arterial clot formation. Garlic
is also thought to lower cholesterol levels. The sulphur compounds
found in garlic have been proved beneficial. The best way to take
garlic is crushed and raw.
b. Soy Protein:
The estrogen-like effects of soy's isoflavones (diadzein and genistein) may help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Genistein also plays a role in preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as it has antioxidant properties.
c. Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3):
This particular B-vitamin is often prescribed as a conventional treatment to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raise HDL levels. Its main function is to mobilize fatty acids from tissues around the body. This helps to reduce the livers production of triglycerides, which assists in the lowering of LDL levels. HDL can be increased by up to 30%, making Nicotinic acid extremely efficacious.
d. Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 & Vitamin B6:
Low levels of B12 and B6 have been shown to result in increased levels of the heart-damaging homocystine. This significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. |
