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Red Yeast for high cholesterol
I have just been diagnosed with very high cholesterol levels and, since there is a history of heart disease in my family, there is a strong chance this is an hereditary problem. I have read that a herb called Devil’s Claw might help. Is this true? And which foods can I eat to help lower my cholesterol?
Devil’s Claw is more commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent and in the management of painful arthritic conditions including rheumatism. The herb that I currently rate No. 1 for lowering cholesterol is Red Yeast, which is now available in a supplement called Cholesterol Defence (£15.95 for 60 capsules, from Victoria Health 0800-413 596). Cholesterol Defence also includes other heart-protecting nutrients such as vitamins C and E, garlic, circulation-boosting ginkgo biloba, hawthorn berry, horsechestnut, and the anti-stress B vitamins. Take two a day.
You may, like me, find many of the nutritional and herbal supplements you want to take hard to swallow - especially when they are the size of horse pills. The simple solution lies with the new award-winning pill splitter and crusher, which I first came across at the Natural Products Show in London. You can use it to either split large pills or grind them to a fine powder to sprinkle over food. For details, call 01273-558112.
If you have a juicer, then making your own fresh carrot juice would be a good idea since high levels of carotene (the plant form of vitamin A) have now long been linked with lower risks of cardiovascular problems. A powerful antioxidant, carotene works by preventing damage to the arteries. To make a glass, juice 16 medium-sized carrots. Add a slice of ginger for taste and a teaspoon of Udo’s oil (from your local healthstore) to increase your intake of the essential fatty acids that can help protect against heart disease too.