How to Lower Cholesterol

Thanks to diet and lifestyle tweaks, CDC researchers say we’ve trimmed our cholesterol levels by 10 percent in the past few years. Which is great news for your brain, because lower cholesterol prevents plaque buildup in the tiny blood vessels that nourish brain cells, cutting dementia risk by 50 percent! To lower cholesterol and sharpen memory, simply…

Brew more tea

Whether you love black, green, oolong or white tea, drinking a mug of your favorite brew with each meal could cut your cholesterol level significantly in three weeks, report researchers in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Explains biologist Chris Bursill, Ph.D., these teas are packed with compounds (polyphenols) that block fat absorption in the intestines, plus heighten your liver’s ability to keep its own cholesterol production in check.

Head upstairs

Strengthen your legs by doing eight minutes of lower-body exercises each day—try squats, lunges and a bit of stair climbing —and your cholesterol level could drop by 36 points in two months! That’s the word from Ohio University researchers, who say strong, healthy leg muscles release hormones that prod your cells to burn excess cholesterol for fuel.

Watch the sun set

Harvard University researchers say doing nothing for 30 minutes daily could cut your risk of cholesterol troubles in half, plus trim 16 points off your blood fats if they’re high right now. Explains endocrinologist Natasha Bergmann, M.D., daily R&R lowers your production of stress hormones that tinker with your liver’s cholesterol control.

Try bergamot

Studies suggest taking 1,000 mg of this citrus extract daily could trim up to 87 points off your cholesterol level in one month. Credit two fruit compounds that switch off liver enzymes that overproduce cholesterol. Ask your doctor before supplementing.