A naturopath has shared insights on two key ingredients that could aid in lowering cholesterol levels, boasting success with “thousands” of patients in his clinic. Dr Stephen Cabral said certain supplements can aid in naturally reducing cholesterol levels – although some individuals with high levels might still require prescribed statins.
Among the supplements Dr Cabral endorses is red yeast rice, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, which derives from yeast grown on white rice and contains compounds effective against high cholesterol.
Dr Cabral said: “We’ve helped thousands of people in our private practice to naturally lower cholesterol levels. From a clinical perspective, I can tell you that it absolutely works.”
The expert also advocates for the combination of red yeast rice with kyolic garlic as an effective supplement regimen. The red yeast rice houses monacolin K, the active ingredient, which bears a structural likeness to the statin drug lovastatin, and helps to control cholesterol by limiting its production in the liver.
While red yeast rice supplements have lower concentrations of this compound compared to prescription statins, which impacts their potency, they are reported to promote heart health and potentially reduce cholesterol, inflammation, cancer cell growth, and metabolic syndrome risks, according to Healthline. Nonetheless, these supplements may lead to possible adverse effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
Dr Cabral indicated that natural supplements might be needed for just “three to six months” while tackling the underlying issues. Harvard Health has provided insight, stating although red yeast rice supplements with significant quantities of monacolin K may aid in cholesterol reduction, they don’t measure up to prescription statins in terms of effectiveness.
Due to a lower concentration of active compounds, these supplements may not match the cholesterol-lowering impact of prescribed medications. Recent research also points to garlic supplements as another natural method for managing cholesterol levels.
A 2023 review by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health observed consistent reductions in total cholesterol thanks to garlic supplementation. Additional studies have even associated this root vegetable with various health advantages, including possible anti-cancer properties noted by researchers at the TNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
However, healthcare professionals underscore the importance of consulting a doctor prior to using red yeast rice or any supplement as an alternative to statins.