Sunday, January 20, 2008

Lowering Cholesterol Naturally with Antioxidants

by: Steward Hare

In this article about lowering cholesterol naturally with antioxidants, you will discover:

  • The facts about antioxidants
  • Why are certain antioxidants good at lowering cholesterol naturally?
  • How many antioxidants do you need to take to help in lowering your cholesterol naturally?

The Facts About Antioxidants

Free radicals cause damaging oxidation reactions within your body, antioxidants are substances which can help to guard your body from these damaging oxidation reactions.

The developments of degenerative diseases have been linked to these damaging oxidation reactions.

Antioxidants come in many shapes and forms; there are many foods, vitamins and minerals which act as antioxidants, such as:

  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid
  • Bilberry
  • Cat’s Claw
  • Co-enzyme Q10
  • Copper
  • Ginkgo
  • Grapeseed Extracts
  • Green Tea
  • Lutein
  • Lycopene
  • Manganese
  • Pine Bark Extracts
  • Reishi
  • Riboflavin
  • Selenium
  • Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc

The antioxidants which are particular good at lowering cholesterol naturally are:

  • Selenium
  • Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E

Why Are Certain Antioxidants Good At Lowering Cholesterol Naturally?

Clinical trials have shown that by consuming vitamin C supplements, you can help to lower your cholesterol naturally.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which acts within your body’s fluids.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant with a powerful protective effect which acts within your body’s fats.

Clinical trials have shown that by consuming vitamin E supplements, you can reduce the hardening and furring up of the arteries.

Studies have shown that vitamin A and beta-carotene help at lowering cholesterol naturally, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Trials have also shown that the mineral selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant, can help to protect against the hardening and furring up of the arteries too.

How Many Antioxidants Do You Need To Take To Help In Lowering Your Cholesterol Naturally?

To help in lowering your cholesterol naturally, it is best to include fruit and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants within your diet.

If you also want to supplement your diet with antioxidant supplements, you will need to take the following doses:

  • 100-200 mcg of selenium per day
  • 10,000 IU (3000 mcg) of vitamin A per day
  • 100-200 mg of vitamin C per day
  • 100-200 IU of vitamin E per day

To cut down the costs, it may be a good idea to take an antioxidant complex supplement instead of separate supplements.

Warning: As with all supplements, please consult your doctor before taking them.

This is especially important if you are pregnant, as doses of in excess of 10,000 IU (3000 mcg) of vitamin A per day, can cause problems to your baby.

So, to sum up…

Studies have shown that by taking the antioxidants supplements and increasing foods which are rich in antioxidants within your diet will help you at lowering cholesterol naturally.



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