There are supplements available that will help us control the total blood cholesterol levels in our body, and taking them will benefit our health in general. But before taking them, make sure you know its benefits as well as the possible side-effects once you take these drugs. So, it is important that you should consult your doctor and ask them about it before taking any of these supplements, especially if you are taking other medication.

Policosanol
     
Policosanol consists of a mixture of fatty alcohols taken and extracted from waxes found in plants such as sugar cane and yam. Policosanol can also be found on beeswax.

According to the research done by one of the arms of the Cuban National Center for Scientific Research , Policosanol was found to reduce the levels of LDL, Low Density Lipoprotein or bad cholesterol in the bloodstream and in the body as tested on animals.

Policosanol showed synergism or similar qualities with that of the antithrombotic (anti-platelet aggregation) properties of aspirin and has been found beneficial to individuals with intermittent claudication – cramp-like pain that occurs because of narrowed or blocked arteries that cannot provide enough oxygen rich blood in that part of the body.

Niacin

Commonly referred to as Vitamin B3, Niacin is also known as Nicotinic Acid. Niacin is a water soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in energy metabolism inside the body’s cells. It also plays an essential role in DNA repair. Niacin is found in various plant and animal products, like chicken, fish, milk, eggs, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms and whole grain products.

Niacin or Nicotinic Acid has antihyperlipidemic activity and may prove to have anti atherogenic activity. Because Niacin promotes metabolism it is therefore crucial in helping reduce and remove fat and cholesterol in the body. It also helps protect against atherosclerosis, or the hardening or furring of the arteries, which are mainly caused by plaques forming within the arteries.

Fish Oils (omega-3 fatty acids)

Omega 3 fatty acids is commonly referred to as fish oil, since it is found mainly in fish. Fish oils or marine oils are mainly found in fish, particularly cold water fish and other marine life such as phytoplanktons.

Omega 3 and the other supplemental fish oils are found to have triglyceride-lowering properties. Triglycerides are the body’s storage form for fat. Triglycerides are found accumulated on various parts of the body and act as a reserve fuel. However, they are also rich in cholesterol that contributes to heart disease. Omega 3 is also taken to decrease the clotting tendencies of the blood and lowering blood pressure.

Guggulsterones

Guggulsterones are chemicals found in the resin produced by the stem of the Commiphora mukul tree, a small thorny plant that is prevalent throughout India.

Though there are no conclusive proofs to support its effectiveness, several studies say that Guggulsterones lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels thereby preventing the hardening of the arteries. They are also found to not only lower the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood but also raise the levels of HDL or good cholesterols. They also appear to reduce the stickiness of platelets in the bloodstream, thus lowering the risks of dangerous blood clots that may prevent blood from flowing freely.

Beta-Sitosterol (Plant Phytosterol)

Beta-Sitosterol and Plant Phytosterol are chemically similar to cholesterol. Beta-Sitosterol and Plant Phytosterol, however, are only found on plants whilst cholesterol is only found on animals. These can be found on pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto extract.

Beta-Sitosterol and Plant Phytosterol are found to have cholesterol lowering properties, though little is understood on how it actually works. Beta-Sitosterol and Plant Phytosterol are found to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and the reabsorption of body cholesterols from the digestive system.

Beta-Sitosterol and Plant Phytosterol are somehow similar to Phytostanols in reducing LDL or bad cholesterols and triglyceride levels in the body. It also helps reduce food intake since one of its properties give a feeling of fullness.

Vasacor contains all of the above supplements in exactly that right dose and utilises pharmacy grade ingredients only.