Niacin has long been used to lower triglycerides and to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This "good" cholesterol helps remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, from the bloodstream.
Vitamins C, D, and B3 (niacin) may help lower cholesterol as well. And probiotics, berberine, and red yeast rice are other potentially effective supplements.
Another important vitamin in managing your cholesterol is B12. Not only has research shown that taking vitamin B12 daily can lower cholesterol naturally, but it can also provide additional cardiovascular health benefits, such as reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries).
Though there have been many studies done on vitamin D and cholesterol, there's not enough evidence to say for certain if vitamin D helps lower cholesterol. A 2012 study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found that supplementing with vitamin D did nothing to lower participants' cholesterol.
Magnesium promotes reduced cholesterol levels.
Magnesium naturally balances the body's cholesterol, and some studies show that magnesium supplementation can cause slight decreases in both total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and increases in HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
A study of the short-term effects of taking vitamin D supplements reported that doing so increased levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol.
Turmeric is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, and people use it in traditional medicine to treat various conditions. Research suggests it may be a safe and accessible way to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.
Hence Zinc may have a protective role in the prevention of atherogenesis [12]. Several human studies have demonstrated that Zinc supplementation reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, in addition to increasing the HDL cholesterol levels [17–20].
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
As for apple cider vinegar helping with cholesterol – drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal lowers cholesterol. Basically, studies have shown that apple cider vinegar reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol) due to its natural antioxidants.
Fill Up on Fiber
Foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans are high in soluble fiber, which keeps your body from absorbing cholesterol. Research shows that people who ate 5 to 10 more grams of it each day saw a drop in their LDL.
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
There's strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. There also appears to be a slight improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol, although an increase in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol also was observed.
Dr. Lisa Matzer: Stress is known to increase cholesterol levels and in particular the bad LDL cholesterol. The amount of stress in your life isn't as important as how you deal with it. The more anger and hostility that stress produces in you, the higher (and worse) your LDL and triglyceride levels tend to be.
A sudden increase in cholesterol can result from various factors, such as stress, diet, certain medications, pregnancy, and lifestyle habits, including smoking and drinking coffee or alcohol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance in cells.