September marks Cholesterol Awareness Month, serving as an important reminder to monitor your cholesterol levels.
We understand that cholesterol is not the most exciting topic, especially as the holiday season approaches. And your doctor might frequently mention it during check-ups, advising you to reduce fried foods, meats, eggs, and other treats you enjoy.
While cholesterol may not be a fun topic, it’s crucial for your health.
Managing your cholesterol levels can have a significant impact on your heart health. The good news? Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels might be simpler than you think.
You don’t have to completely give up your favorite foods to support heart health. Research has shown that certain nutrients and foods may help manage cholesterol levels effectively.
Incorporating simple changes like eating more fiber and considering supplements to support heart health can be beneficial.
Cholesterol Awareness Month is a great time to revisit what cholesterol is and explore how you can support healthy levels.
Below, we’ll share more about the nutrients that may play a role in managing cholesterol and supporting heart health.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a subject of many questions, with terms like “good” and “bad,” or “LDL” and “HDL” often causing confusion. Let’s take a moment to review what cholesterol is and why it’s important for your body.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in every cell of your body. It plays a vital role in producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest food. So, cholesterol is necessary for proper body function. However, not all cholesterol is the same. There are two main types: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
LDL: Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL can accumulate on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup, known as plaque, can harden and narrow the arteries, potentially leading to reduced blood flow. If plaque blocks a narrowed artery, it could contribute to serious health events like a heart attack or stroke.
HDL: Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps to remove excess LDL cholesterol from your arteries. It carries the LDL back to the liver, where it is processed and removed from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are considered beneficial, as they help lower the risk of heart disease.
The goal is to maintain a healthy balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
When LDL levels are too high, plaque can form. If HDL levels are too low, there may not be enough to remove the LDL, which can increase the risk of plaque buildup and related health concerns.
Cholesterol imbalances don’t just affect heart health. Unmanaged cholesterol levels may also impact your overall well-being, including energy levels, cognitive function, and liver or kidney health [1,2].
For these reasons, it’s essential to work towards a healthy balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Supplements for Supporting Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Making simple lifestyle adjustments can support cholesterol management, such as staying active, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol consumption.
Diet is one of the most significant factors, as the foods you consume can influence your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.
Research suggests that certain nutrients and foods may play a role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels by promoting balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
For example, consuming almonds has been associated with a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels by up to 19% [3]. To help support your cholesterol management, you may consider incorporating these nutrients into your daily routine.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant in your body that supports cellular energy production.
It is especially important for maintaining overall heart health, as the heart requires a consistent supply of energy to function optimally. CoQ10 may play a role in supporting heart function as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been studied for its potential to support healthy cholesterol levels. Some research suggests it may help maintain a balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
CoQ10 may also be beneficial for individuals managing certain health conditions, like diabetes, though more research is needed to confirm its effects.
Beyond cholesterol management, CoQ10 is known for its antioxidant properties and may support cardiovascular health by helping to neutralize free radicals and support healthy blood vessel function.
While CoQ10 can be found in small amounts in foods like fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains, it can be challenging to obtain sufficient amounts through diet alone. A CoQ10 supplement can help you ensure you’re getting an adequate intake.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that have been studied for their potential to support heart health. Some research suggests that omega-3s may help maintain healthy triglyceride levels, which are important for cardiovascular health.
Omega-3s may also help support healthy HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This combination of effects may contribute to overall heart health, which is why omega-3 supplements are commonly recommended.
You can obtain omega-3s from fish oil, krill oil supplements, or by including foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, avocados, and olive oil in your diet.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that plays a role in supporting overall heart health. Some studies suggest that niacin may help maintain healthy HDL (good) cholesterol levels and support balanced LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Adequate niacin intake may contribute to the health of your cardiovascular system by helping to reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.
You can obtain niacin from food sources like lean meats, chicken, fish, and beef, or through multivitamins that include B vitamins. Niacin is also available in B complex supplements, which provide additional support for overall wellness.
Fiber Supplements
Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient known for supporting digestive health, and it may also play a role in promoting heart health.
Soluble fiber, a type of fiber found in various foods, may assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels by helping to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It works by binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract and aiding in its removal from the body before it can enter the bloodstream.
To increase your fiber intake, consider incorporating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. You may also choose fiber supplements that contain ingredients like psyllium husk and beta-glucan to support your heart health.
Consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your routine.
All-Encompassing Heart Health Supplements
There are several nutrients and ingredients that may support your heart by helping to manage cholesterol levels.
Some supplements combine these beneficial nutrients to support healthy cholesterol levels, promote blood pressure balance, assist with inflammation management, and support overall heart health.
Taking a heart health supplement, such as Manna’s Liposomal Heart Health Bundle, may provide a combination of nutrients that work together to support cardiovascular health. When combined with regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle, it may contribute to heart health.
The Manna Heart Health Bundle contains CoQ10, curcumin, and magnesium, all of which may support heart function.
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant that may support cardiovascular health by promoting energy production within the cells.
Curcumin is an antioxidant that may assist in managing inflammation and supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest it may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that may support heart health by helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels and promoting stress management, which may also contribute to healthy cholesterol levels.
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new routine.
Take Control of Your Cholesterol
For many, managing cholesterol may feel overwhelming or out of their control.
You try eating healthier and increasing physical activity, but your test results may not improve as expected.
However, managing cholesterol can be simplified, and balancing good and bad cholesterol may be achievable with some dietary adjustments.
Cholesterol Awareness Month is a great reminder to take steps toward managing your cholesterol levels.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider a daily multivitamin like Manna Liposomal Multivitamin, which contains essential nutrients to support general health, including cardiovascular wellness.
For a more targeted cardiovascular supplement, try the Manna Liposomal Heart Health Bundle. It contains nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals that may support heart health.
Manna’s liposomal delivery system may improve nutrient absorption, allowing your body to utilize vitamins and minerals more effectively, providing potential support for cardiovascular function.
By incorporating supplements into your routine alongside a balanced diet, you can take proactive steps to support your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
The nutrients highlighted above have shown promise in supporting cardiovascular health, and making these adjustments can have a positive impact on your well-being.
Take action today with cholesterol-supporting foods and heart-healthy supplements by Manna.
FAQ
Cholesterol Awareness Month, observed in September, is a national initiative aimed at educating people about the risks of high cholesterol and how to manage it effectively. It’s an important time to raise awareness about heart health and take proactive steps to balance cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and supplements.
Yes, it’s possible to manage cholesterol without completely giving up your favorite foods. By incorporating cholesterol-lowering supplements and making smart dietary choices, such as adding more fiber and healthy fats, you can help balance your cholesterol levels while still enjoying the foods you love in moderation.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body that plays a crucial role in energy production within cells. It is particularly important for heart health as it helps improve blood vessel function, reduces oxidative stress, and supports the production of energy in heart cells, thereby promoting overall cardiovascular health.
Combining CoQ10, Curcumin, and Magnesium provides a comprehensive approach to heart health. CoQ10 supports energy production and reduces oxidative stress in the heart, Curcumin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and Magnesium aids in maintaining normal blood pressure, heart rhythm, and cholesterol levels. Together, these supplements help protect the heart from damage and improve overall cardiovascular function.
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