Fish oil has been shown to reduce high levels of triglycerides by an average of 35%.Fish oil does not appear to reduce cholesterol to that extent, but does offer benefits when consumed as part of an integrated therapy.
Red yeast rice has been used in China for centuries as both a food and as a medicinal substance. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus over red rice. Laboratory studies have shown that the Monascus purpureus inhibits the action of a body enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, known to raise cholesterol which, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease. Because of this inhibitory action,
red yeast rice's therapeutic uses include the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol.
Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. The main ingredient is
octacosanol.
Octacosanol is found in the waxy film that plants have over their leaves and fruit. The leaves and rinds of citrus fruits contain
octacosanol, as does wheat germ oil.
Policosanol has been shown to normalize cholesterol.
Policosanol helps stop the formation of artery lesions. Policosanol also inhibits the formation of clots, and may work synergistically with aspirin in this respect.
High intake of soluble fiber is effective way of lowering serum cholesterol.