found that garlic lowered total serum cholesterol levels by about 9%. The equivalent dose used was 1⁄2 to 1 clove (2-4gm) of garlic per day. At these doses stomach upset and odour can be a problem. If you are taking medications to thin the blood, like warfarin or higher doses of aspirin, garlic may make your blood too thin.
.....I feel increased dietary fibre is one of the most overlooked options to help lower cholesterol. One study found that 3.4 g of psyllium taken three times a day lowered LDL by 20%. Fibre works due to its ability to bind to cholesterol in the gut, correct? Not necessarily. There is evidence that the |
metabolism of fibre may lead to the products, propionate (a short-chain fatty acid) and alpha-tocotrienol (similar to vitamin E), that can prevent your body from making its own supply of cholesterol. Taking lots of extra fibre can cause stomach related side effects such as gas, bloating and indigestion. If you wish to increase your intake of fibre, start with small amounts and work your way up from there. Lots of fibre can also interfere with the absorption of certain medications, ask your Peoples Pharmacist for more information.
. .. Soy products are usually in the news because of their isoflavones, |
which have a mild estrogenic effect, but soy protein products can also help to lower cholesterol. One study, published in the December 1998 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that men who ate a low-fat diet and relied on soy as their main protein source for five weeks saw their LDL cholesterol levels decrease by up to 14% and their HDL levels increase by up to 8%. Interestingly, men who ate a low-fat diet, but instead relied on meat as protein also saw their cholesterol levels significantly improve, though not as much as the soy-eaters.
. .. The reason for soy’s ability to
Ian Lloyd...Continued On Page 6 |
