LDL cholesterol--the bad cholesterol--increases your risk of heart disease. It is important to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, but at the same time, it is important to maintain or raise your good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Several vitamins and minerals can help with this cardiovascular balancing act.
Niacin
Rather than lowering the bad cholesterol, niacin raises the good cholesterol. Niacin is sold in supplement form, but it is also found in dairy foods, meats and eggs.
Vitamin B12
Individuals who follow a strict vegan diet may become deficient in Vitamin B12, a nutrient that works to metabolize cholesterol. It is found in dairy, meats and eggs.
Folic Acid
Along with the other B vitamins--niacin and B12--folic acid helps to reduce LDL and protect HDL cholesterol levels. Folic acid is found in vegetables and beans, and it is added to many grain and cereal products.
Vitamin C
A study conducted at Tufts University found that 1,000 mg of Vitamin C raised HDL cholesterol levels by 7 percent. Other studies have shown that low levels of Vitamin C in the blood translate to higher LDL cholesterol readings.
Chromium
Americans are often deficient in the trace mineral chromium, possibly due to our over-consumption of refined sugar. Most multivitamins have a sufficient RDA, but if you are a sugar fiend, you may want to supplement.
Coenzyme Q10
Found naturally in our mitochondrial cells, CoQ10 levels are higher in people with good cholesterol levels. Supplementing with CoQ10 can help make prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs work better.
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