Preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol with Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Lately, we hear about Vitamin C and Vitamin E in the fight against high cholesterol. Do they work? Let’s find out more about the topic.
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Antioxidants and Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, isn’t all that dangerous per se; it is important for some organic functions, such as producing hormones. The problem arises when LDL cholesterol oxidizes; lipid peroxidation is the basis of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Antioxidants, by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries, help fight the formation of arteriosclerosis, one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are two antioxidants and as such. Therefore, they can help lower cholesterol.
Oxidation of cholesterol and Vitamin C
According to a meta-analysis conducted in the United States, entitled ” Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials ” and published in June 2008 in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicin, a daily supplement of vitamin C can be useful to counteract the increase in LDL cholesterol values and also triglyceride levels.
Meta-analysis is a clinical-statistical technique that allows you to combine data from multiple studies conducted on a given topic. For example, the meta-analysis in question identified 13 clinical studies, published between 1970 and 2007, and from these extrapolated 14 groups of people, involving a total of 405 subjects, with an average age of 58.9 years, who had high cholesterol values and who received at least 500 mg of Vitamin C per day, for a period of between 4 and 24 weeks.
The results showed a reduction in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Even a minimal increase in HDL was found considered not significant.
Oxidation of cholesterol and Vitamin E
Interesting studies on men have not yet been published on vitamin E, conducted on a sufficiently large sample. However, thanks to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E is recognized as a useful ingredient against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. In general, it is instrumental in counteracting lipid peroxidation.
It is used in the formulation of supplements and pesticides indicated in patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Fighting cholesterol with natural remedies
Other natural remedies for high cholesterol mainly concern nutrition and lifestyle. With the right movement and the correct diet, a lot can be done to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
There are also some substances and foods that can be used for this purpose. The best known is fermented red rice, which is often associated with other ingredients in the formulation of supplements against high cholesterol.
In addition to the aforementioned Vitamin C and Vitamin E, we often use green tea for its antioxidant properties; folic acid and Vitamin B, because they help reduce homocysteine levels in the blood; artichokes extract, as it has a protective action against the liver. For further information, please read our article on remedies for lowering cholesterol.