Q. I have just learned that I have high cholesterol and that I need to treat it with diet and exercise. The problem is that I already exercise and eat a very healthy diet. I doubt I can improve on it.
I have read that taking vinegar every day will lower cholesterol. Is this true? I would prefer to avoid medication.
A. There is some research to suggest that vinegar with a meal can help reduce triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol in rats and rabbits (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 22, 2011; Lipids in Health and Disease, Jan. 28, 2010). There is little research about the effect of vinegar on cholesterol levels in humans.
There are, however, many foods that may help control cholesterol including walnuts, pomegranates, fish oil, grapefruit, cinnamon, dark chocolate and psyllium. We’re sending you our Guide to Cholesterol Control and Heart Health so you can learn more about natural approaches to getting your lipids under control. The guide also describes the pros and cons of cholesterol-lowering drugs and red yeast rice.
Should you want a much more in-depth approach to preventing heart disease and controlling cholesterol naturally with a variety of foods such as:
- Grape juice & Certo
- Pomegranate juice
- Dark chocolate
- Fish oil
- Walnuts
plus a long list of anti-inflammatory foods, we suggest our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. it is 524 pages and was published by Rodale a few years ago. We think it is a valuable reference for anyone who cares about natural healing options.
