Cholesterol Is Good for You

Cholesterol is good for you, but not too much, so balance yours naturally, says Margaret Durst.

It seems like everyone wants to reduce their cholesterol. There are some great natural ways to do this, but everyone is unique – so what works for one, may not work for another. Cholesterol is necessary for many body functions, meaning that you don’t want to reduce it completely, but you don’t want unhealthy levels either.

If you want to work on the cause, a good place to start is looking at the diet. Eliminate foods full of unhealthy transfatty acids and hydrogenated oils which tend to increase cholesterol. Read more

Gary Taubes on Carbohydrates and Degenerative Diseases

Gary Taubes answers questions related to refined carbohydrate consumption and their effects on degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.

Worried About Dangerous Statin Drugs? Try Red Yeast Rice Instead

Worried about dangerous statin drugs? Red yeast rice may lower cholesterol.

Two years ago, Chuck Jones of Yardley had high cholesterol, but his medicine caused severe leg cramps that routinely ruined his sleep.

Since participating in a clinical trial of red yeast rice, a supplement taken in China for centuries, Jones has gotten his cholesterol under control.

And within a week of starting the rice, "the pain was gone," the 59-year-old chemist said.

For Jones and most other "statin-intolerant" patients, red yeast rice combined with a heart-healthy diet and exercise helped lower bad "LDL" cholesterol, concludes a small study published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Read more

Blueberries Lower High Cholesterol and Protect Cardiovascular Health

Blueberries provide an effective way to lower cholesterol without the dangers of statin drugs. They taste better, too.

How good are blueberries at lowering high cholesterol and protecting cardiovascular health? This article compiles a collection of quotes and statements about blueberries from doctors, authors and health experts. Read more