Beyond Statins: Lowering Cholesterol Naturally and Safely - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance

• Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, brain function, and cell health, and about 80% of it is made by your body — not consumed in food. High triglycerides, not total cholesterol, pose a stronger risk for heart attack — raising risk by 80% — making triglyceride-to-HDL ratio a better heart disease predictor
• Newer science shows chronic inflammation — not LDL alone — may be the real cause of plaque buildup in arteries, shifting focus to markers like ApoB and CRP
• Natural options like garlic, artichoke, bergamot, plant sterols, green tea, and oats have been shown in clinical studies to lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart markers
• Red yeast rice can lower LDL by up to 33%, but it contains a statin-like compound with the same side effects and potential kidney toxins like citrinin
• Lifestyle changes like cutting sugar, walking daily, and sleeping well can activate the Pareto Principle — where 20% of effort yields 80% of results in lowering cholesterol. Exercise improves five key metabolic biomarkers — glucose, HDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, and waist size — each linked to long-term cardiovascular health