Statins are a group of medicines generally prescribed to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood. They are quite commonly used to reduce the risks of heart attack, stroke and other problems resulting from high cholesterol. However, those who switch to a plant-based diet may wonder how statins can interact with their new diet.
So, are statins plant based? No, statins are not plant based. They are generally made up of a number of active ingredients aimed to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme in the body responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. It does not contain plant-based ingredients but is processed in the laboratory using synthetic substances.
Below, let us try to find out if there is an alternative to statins for a plant based diet.
Top 3 Statins Substitutes For a Plant Based Diet
An amazing alternative to statins is plant sterols that help lower bad cholesterol in the blood. They are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts, vegetable oils and other plant-based items.
These foods don’t contain enough sterols to help lower cholesterol, so a better idea is to consume fortified foods like yogurt that contain added plant sterols. There are several plant sterols supplements available in the market such as Swanson Ultra Maximum Plant Sterols that make a good addition to your plant-based diet.
Swanson Ultra Maximum Strength Plant Sterols
A highly affordable and convenient way to benefit from the effects of plant sterols, this supplement has been known to help people reduce their cholesterol levels to astonishing levels. It is marketed as a cardiovascular health supplement and comes in a capsule form for easy dosing.
Swanson is a reputed company that offers more than 500 products across minerals, vitamins, probiotics, extracts and supplements for different functions in the body. All the products ensure closeness to nature and use high-quality, pure, effective ingredients.
NatureMade Cholestoff
Cholestoff Complete is another natural plant sterols supplement that helps lower cholesterol levels naturally. Each dose contains 900 ml of plant sterols and stanols and works much like conventional cholesterol lowering medications but without the side effects associated with them.
This supplement contains pine tree based stanol and sterol compounds for heart health benefits. Online reviews suggest the effectiveness of this product at controlling cholesterol levels when combined with a plant-based diet and some exercise.
Source Naturals Mega Strength Beta-Sitosterol
Famous for offering natural products of superior quality, Source Naturals is a favorite among experts and general users. The cholesterol-lowering supplement combines plant based ingredient called beta-sitosterol with other plant sterols to deliver a potent lipid reducing product that suits a plant-based diet.
Phytosterols are natural plant components coming from grains, fruits and vegetables. Based on the results of clinical studies that suggest how phytosterols can support healthy levels of cholesterol, this product aims to help vegetarians and plant-based diet followers keep their lipid levels in the normal range without having to rely on anything else. These capsules are derived completely from plants and contain no dairy, egg, wheat, yeast, preservatives, artificial color, fragrance, sugar or starch.
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