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The Best Supplements To Lower Cholesterol In 2024
What to look for and what to avoid in natural cholesterol lowering supplements
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Nearly 40% of all Americans have high cholesterol, yet many people have no idea. That’s because high cholesterol has no symptoms, some might even call it a “silent killer.”
Many doctors are recommending supplements before prescribing heavy medications like statins, because they can have some serious side effects.
That’s why today millions of people are looking for a powerful supplement to help lower their cholesterol levels. So it’s no wonder the market is flooded with supplements promising to lower bad cholesterol and improve heart health.
With so many options available it can feel overwhelming trying to find an effective supplement. But don't worry, we here at Smarter Reviews spent months researching this category and we'll show you what to look for and what to avoid in quality cholesterol supplement.
What's The Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol or HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein).
HDL is the good kind of cholesterol because it moves from your arteries to your liver, which then expels it from your body. While LDL is the bad kind of cholesterol because it goes to your arteries, where it may collect in the artery walls and create a clog.
However, there is a bit of good news in all of this. You don't have to give up your favorite foods in order to reduce bad cholesterol. In fact, with some diet modifications (including occasional cheat meals) and regular light exercise, a good supplement can help manage your cholesterol.
Why Doctors Are Recommending Supplements First
Prescription statins are by far the most popular cholesterol lowering drugs. Statins work by inhibiting a liver enzyme necessary for cholesterol production. Statins may also help prevent further blockage in your arteries by aiding in cholesterol re-absorption.
Prescription statins work well, but they are often expensive and may have unpleasant side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, muscle stiffness, liver damage, and frequent headaches are just some of their known side effects.
Because of these serious side effects, more and more doctors today are recommending a quality cholesterol-lowering supplement in addition to diet and exercise before trying a prescription statin.
The Best Ingredients To Naturally Lower Cholesterol
Clinical studies show a number of natural products lower bad cholesterol and elevated good cholesterol significantly. Some prescription statins are synthesized from natural products.
However, not all supplements are created equally. Many brands will cut corners, filling their supplements with harmful additives and use ineffective ingredients or weak dosages. That's why Smarter Reviews has compiled months of research about this emerging category.
It should also be noted, however, that supplements are not a quick fix — it takes about 3 months of consistently taking a quality, doctor-recommended supplement to feel real results.
3 Top Ingredients to Lower Cholesterol
Based on our research and feedback from our Smarter Shoppers, these are the things to look for in an exceptional cholesterol supplement:
Bergamot
A number of clinical trials showed impressive cholesterol-lowering properties of the Italian citrus fruit bergamot. Blood tests in one major study from the International Journal of Cardiology, revealed that even in low dosages, participants' LDL levels lowered significantly after only one month. Bergamot, has few if any side effects and works like statins by inhibiting cholesterol-producing enzymes.
However, bergamot extracts are frequently adulterated or “cut” with other lower-cost ingredients such as bitter orange. That’s why we recommend looking for at least 550 mg of a clinically studied bergamont, such as Bergavit®, in order to ensure potency and effectiveness.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, plays an essential role in the body by helping it convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy.
This powerful nutrient also promotes heart health by expanding blood vessels, improving blood flow, increasing the body’s antioxidant defenses, and lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) while raising the ‘good’ (HDL).
A variety of other benefits have also been linked to niacin including: increased brain function, improved skin quality, and a reduction in joint discomfort.
Garlic Extract
Garlic has been used throughout history not only as a food seasoning, but also as a natural medicine -- and for good reason; one of garlic’s main benefits is its ability to support heart health.
The agent responsible for this is called allicin, an enzyme released from garlic when it's cut up or crushed.
Allicin widens blood vessels, helps remove plaque buildup in the arteries, and lowers overall cholesterol levels in the blood -- all great news for the fight against heart-related issues.
Additionally, allicin helps regulate blood pressure with some studies finding it to be even more effective than hypertension medication.
Allicin is also effective against infections due to its antimicrobial activity, and may help protect the brain from oxidative stress.
Cholesterol Supplements: 3 Things To Avoid
Unnecessary Fillers, Binders, & Additives
Often, supplement companies use fillers, binders, or additives to try and improve the look and taste of their supplements. Most of these fillers, however, are absolutely useless, and some may even be harmful. Ingredient such as magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, starch, vegetable gum, stearate acid, and talc, are non-essential and should be avoided, especially when used excessively in a formula.
Generic Formulas
Most supplements on the market use the same generic formula sold under different brand names. Look for products formulated by physicians that feature unique or patented ingredients to ensure you’re getting the most effective product for your money.
Relying on Amazon Reviews
While Amazon can be a good place to start your research, we advise against relying on its reviews as your only source of reference. When you consider that many such reviews are actually paid for by the companies selling its products, it’s always good to take what’s said with a grain of salt and re-confirm your findings on trusted third-party sites.
Top 5 Cholesterol Supplements Of 2021
1. CholestMD®
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Total Ranking
9.6/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains clinically proven Bergavit®
- Doctor-recommended
- 100% natural, vegan formula
- 90-day 100% money-back return policy
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Only sold in the U.S. and Canada
The Bottom Line
We chose CholestMD® by 1MD Nutrition™ because it's the only supplement that meets our criteria.
This unique formula offers clinical strength niacin, and Bergavit®, a powerful, clinically studied ingredient proven to provide complete cholesterol support.
1MD Nutrition™'s return policy was also more generous than others we reviewed, and their customer service department was knowledgeable and easy to reach. They confirmed that their product is made in the USA and 100% vegan.
With all this in mind, we decided to put CholestMD® by 1MD Nutrition™ at the top of our list.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More2. CholestAid
Total Ranking
9.2/10
A-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains 500 mg of Niacinamide
- Contains 20 mg of Garlic Extract
- 100% Vegan, organic
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Frequently out of stock
The Bottom Line
CholestAid by Essential Elements contains three unique ingredients that have clinically demonstrated their ability to help support serum lipid levels. Niacinamide, and garlic extract all work together to help keep your cholesterol under control by and support cardiovascular health.
This powerful formula is made up of clinically tested ingredients, with plenty of reviewers who claimed their LDL cholesterol levels have been brought into a healthy range.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More3. Cholesterol Health
Total Ranking
8.4/10
B
Overall Grade
PROS
- Clinically Proven
- Third-Party Verified
- Free of fillers and additives
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Customer service responds within 48 hours
- No money back guarantee
The Bottom Line
While Cholesterol Health by Emerald Laboratories gets rave customer reviews, without a guarantee, we were wary of putting it anywhere above our #3 spot.
However, this supplement was formulated with all natural cholesterol support ingredients, including Niacin, Chromium, Red Yeast ice, CoQ10, and Garlic Powder. Garlic may help to combat LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) bad cholesterol. Niacin may help to increase good cholesterol HDL (High Density Lipoprotein).
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More4. CholestOff®
Total Ranking
7.7/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Clinically Proven
- USP third-party verified
- 100 day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Contains Soy, fillers, and added colors
- Not all products manufactured in USA
The Bottom Line
Nature Made is one of the leading vitamin brands. But soy, added colors, and fillers put CholestOff® at #4 on our list.
CholestOff® provides 1800 mg daily of plant sterols and stanols, which has shown to be helpful for lowering cholesterol. However, this product does lack many key ingredients, such as bergamot.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More5. Ultimate Cholest Control
Total Ranking
6.5/10
C-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Positive reviews
CONS
- Lacks key ingredients
- Unclear return policy
The Bottom Line
Coming in at number 5 on our list is Ultimate Cholest Control by Naturalia Labs.
This supplement does contain some great ingredients, such as niacin and garlic extract. And even though the reviews are limited, most customers were happy with their results.
However, it should be noted that this formula does lack some vital key ingredients such as bergamot. Also, Naturalia Labs only offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is not as comprehensive as the other brands on our list.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
The Difference Between Good & Bad Cholesterol
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