Scientific evidence has shown that the risk of death due to heart disease is greatly increased through elevated cholesterol levels. Treatment for high cholesterol recommended by doctors is a low-fat diet and cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins. These drugs have many potential side effects which include neuromuscular disorders, gastrointestinal upset and liver enzyme disruption.

Taking statin drugs long term can lead to chronic muscle pain, loss of memory, brain fog, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They interfere with the normal cholesterol production in the body, which is necessary for healthy nerves and normal functioning of the endocrine system.

In America billions of dollars are spent on statin drugs each year. The need for these drugs has arisen because of typically poor American diet and sedentary lifestyle. The media bombards the public with advertisements conveying the effectiveness of statin drugs in lowering cholesterol. The result has been a nation that is focused on drugs, rather than healing foods. Seeing advertisements that would address the underlying cause of high cholesterol and provide a long term, healthy solution is unheard of because that would eliminate the need for drugs and the profits they produce.

The truth is that several studies have found that certain foods are able to lower cholesterol just as well as statin drugs without the serious side effects. Eliminating the underlying cause of high cholesterol by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, will do away with the need for statin drugs forever. 

Taking drugs do not lead to a long and healthy life. The only way to lower cholesterol levels and become healthy as well, is to give up junk foods, processed foods and refined foods that lead to high cholesterol and replace them with foods that promote ideal cholesterol levels.

Plant foods such as blueberries, tofu, almonds, garlic, whole grains, fruits and vegetables effectively reduce cholesterol. Consuming cholesterol lowering foods together creates a synergistic effect which enhances cholesterol lowering capability. The high fiber content in plant foods, especially the soluble fiber found in fruits and vegetables is an essential component for lowering cholesterol. In order to be beneficial, a high fiber diet must be accompanies by a minimum of six glasses of water per day. 

Plants contain compounds called a plant sterols which have the ability to absorb dietary cholesterol. One study found that they decrease absorption of cholesterol by fifty percent. They have also been found to improve the health of the heart and the immune system.

Plant sterols are also available as supplements. Caution should be exercised when taking supplements because studies have found that they may limit the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Therefore it is advisable to increase daily intake of vitamins A, D and E. The primary source of plant sterols should be from food sources because of the synergistic action of combining foods. If necessary a supplement can be added but should be taken in moderate dosages to avoided overdose.