Resources
Natural Cholesterol Management
Cholesterol: The best foods to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002
Lowering Your Cholesterol with TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes)
National Cholesterol Education Program
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/chol_tlc.htm
Plant Sterols
MARTIJN B.KATAN, PHD, ET AL "Efficacy and Safety of Plant Stanols and Sterols in the Management of Blood Cholesterol Levels"
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2003;78: pages 965-978.
Abstract: 41 different studies are reviewed and address the conclusion that foods with plant stanol or sterol esters lower serum cholesterol levels. The analysis showed that intake of 2 g/d of stanols or sterols reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 10%; higher intakes added little. Efficacy is similar for sterols and stanols, but the food form may substantially affect LDL reduction. Effects are additive with diet or drug interventions: eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in stanols or sterols can reduce LDL by 20%; adding sterols or stanols to statin medication is more effective than doubling the statin dose. A meta-analysis of 10 to 15 trials per vitamin showed that plasma levels of vitamins A and D are not affected by stanols or sterols. Alpha carotene, lycopene, and vitamin E levels remained stable relative to their carrier molecule, LDL. Beta carotene levels declined, but adverse health outcomes were not expected. Sterol-enriched foods increased plasma sterol levels, and workshop participants discussed whether this would increase risk. This risk is believed to be largely hypothetical, and any increase due to the small increase in plasma plant sterols may be more than offset by the decrease in plasma LDL. Conclusions: Present evidence is sufficient to promote use of sterols and stanols for lowering LDL cholesterol levels in persons at increased risk for coronary heart disease.
Available on-line at www.mayoclinicproceedings.com
Viscous Soluble Fiber
Fiber: Start Roughing It
Harvard School of Public Health
www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fiber.html
Niacin
Gerald Gau, M.D, Niacin to boost your HDL 'good' cholesterol
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/niacin/CL00036
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil