High Cholesterol: Which Natural Product Is Most Helpful?

I would like to preface by saying that my mother has always had high cholesterol. From 2010 to 2016, I successfully treated her with a natural product based on red yeast rice. However, since last year, that was no longer enough and her total cholesterol shot up to 270. I then treated her with a “light” statin. I am now eager to return to an effective natural product — what do you recommend?

Dear Pier Paolo, 

I recommend a combination of the products Cardiol Forte and Eulipid, two natural supplements that will help reduce cholesterol levels. Cardiol Forte is a dietary supplement that contains 10 milligrams of Monacolin K per capsule, a natural statin derived from red yeast rice, which contributes to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. Cardiol Forte is rich in omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish oil and in olive fruit extract, rich in hydroxytyrosol, which counteracts the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol. The product also contains 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 to counter potential side effects from red yeast rice. Together with B vitamins, CoQ10 helps regulate energy metabolism.

Eulipid is a dietary supplement in tablet form that contains neither fish oil nor natural statins. Its main component is Berberine, a plant-derived substance that facilitates the “capture” of cholesterol by the liver, extracted from Berberis aristata, a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. As demonstrated by several scientific studies, Berberine exerts, in addition to its action on circulating lipids, a blood sugar lowering effect similar to that of metformin, making it a valid alternative for treating dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

Besides Berberine, the formulation of Eulipid includes other natural molecules such as resveratrol, bioflavonoids, policosanols, and coenzyme Q10, which help rebalance blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, making it a suitable choice to maintain cardiovascular health. Moreover, the combination of berberine and bioflavonoids reduces postprandial hyperglycemia in overweight individuals. The recommended daily dose is one capsule of Cardiol Forte and one capsule of Eulipid, preferably taken before dinner. In any case, I remind you to follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and to limit the consumption of cheese, cold cuts, and eggs.

Best regards,

Silvia Lisciani Ph.D. Nutritionist Biologist