Cardiovascular / Hypertension / Cholesterol

There are many major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
The high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, actually part.
Indeed, high cholesterol levels can lead to the accumulation of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The most used medications against cholesterol

The most commonly used medications for treating high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) belong mainly to the statin class, but there are also other types of medications. Here are the main types of medications used:

Statines

• Atorvastatine (Lipitor)
  Use: Lowers LDL cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Simvastatine (Zocor)
  Use: Reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and slightly increases HDL cholesterol.
• Rosuvastatine (Crestor)
  Use: Effectively lower LDL cholesterol and is used for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
• Pravastatine (Pravachol)
  Use: Used to reduce LDL cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
• Lovastatine (Mevacor)
  Use: Reduces total cholesterol and LDL, and is often used in primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention.

Other types of drugs

• Ezetimibe (Zetia)
  Use: Reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine and is often used in combination with statins for an additive effect.
• Fibrates (Gemfibrozil, Fenofibrate)
  Use: Mainly used to lower triglyceride levels, but also to slightly increase HDL cholesterol.
• Sequestering resins of bile acids (Cholestyramine, Colestipol)
  Use: Reduce LDL cholesterol by connecting to biliary acids in the intestine, requiring the body to use cholesterol to produce more biliary acids.
• PCSK9 inhibitors (Alirocumab, Evolocumab)
  Use: Injections used to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol, often in patients who do not tolerate statins or need to further reduce cholesterol.
• Nicotinic acid (Niacin)
  Use: Can lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol, although its use is less common due to side effects.

These are medicine are usually prescribed according to the individual lipid profile of the patient, his/her medical history and tolerance to medications. In addition, several natural products can contribute to cholesterol management.

Natural products against cholesterol

There are several natural products that can help reduce cholesterol levels. Here are some of the most commonly used and supported by scientific evidence:

1. Soluble fibres

Sources: Avoine, orge, legumes, fruits like apples and oranges.
Benefits: Soluble fibres connect to cholesterol in the digestive system and help eliminate it from the body, thus reducing LDL cholesterol.

2. Phytosterols and stanols

Sources: Enriched products such as margarines, milk, and yogurts.
Benefits: These plant compounds block cholesterol absorption in the intestine, lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flax seeds, nuts.
Benefits : Les omega-3 help reduce triglyceride levels, slightly increase HDL and reduce inflammation.

4. Ail

Use: Consumed raw, in the form of supplements or extracts.
Benefits: Garlic can reduce total cholesterol and LDL, although the effects can be modest.

5. Red rice yeast

Use: You will find on our online store, red fermented rice in the form of capsules.
Benefits: Contains monacolines, including the monacoline K, which has similar effects to those of statins to lower cholesterol.

6. Policosanol

Sources: Sugar cane extract, bee wax.
Benefits: Can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.

7. Psyllium

Use: Fibre supplements such as Metamucil, added to water or food.
Benefits: The shrinkllium is a soluble fibre that can help reduce LDL cholesterol when consumed regularly.

8. Green tea

Use: Consumptioned as tea or supplements'green tea extract. We offer it in the form of capsules for simpler and practical use.
Benefits: Green tea catechins can help reduce total cholesterol and LDL.

9. Curcumine (extract from curcuma)

Use: Curcumin supplements or addition of curcuma in the diet.
Benefits: Curcumine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can help reduce LDL cholesterol.

10. Berberine

Berberin can reduce total cholesterol and LDL, as well as triglycerides.

These are natural products may be useful for managing cholesterol, but it is important to use them in addition to a healthy diet and active lifestyle. It is also recommended to consult a health professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medication for cholesterol.

Does spirulina help against high cholesterol levels?

Yes, the spirulina can help manage cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.
Several studies have shown that spirulina can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, two important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Spirulina contains essential antioxidants and fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and improve lipid profile.

The consumption of spirulina was associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), which helps to transport cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it can be removed from the body.
Antioxidants in spirulina, such as phycocyanin, can improve the function of HDL lipoproteins.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

• Antioxidants spirulina is rich in antioxidants, including phycocyanin, which can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory : Spirulina compounds can reduce inflammation, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Improved endothelial function

• Studies Some research suggests that spirulina can improve the endothelial function, i.e., the health of blood vessels walls, which is crucial to preventing cardiovascular disease.
• Mechanism : Antioxidants and amino acids present in spirulina contribute to improving the flexibility and health of blood vessels.

Consult your doctor before you start taking spirulina or any other dietary supplement, especially if you take medication, as it may interact with certain treatments.