Cholesterol-lowering drugs known asstatins are among the most commonlyprescribed drugs in the hospital. Statins work by interfering with an enzyme that the body needs to make cholesterol. Along with lowering cholesterol, the drugs may also help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has accumulated on the artery walls, thus preventing further blockage.Statin drugs are not without risks themselves, even their safety and effectiveness are currently being hotly debated. Many people taking statin complain of pain or numbness in the extremities like fingers and toes as well as cognitive problems. Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, headaches and skin rash are their known side effectsIts other side effects include increase in blood glucose levels, tendon problems and increase in liver enzymes, leading to permanent liver damage. Because of this latter risk, people taking the drugs must have their liver function tested periodically.Though, statin drugs do lower cholesterol very well, other food items suggested to be helpful in lowering cholesterol include vinegar and cocoa, thus making them panacea to preventing heart disease.Researchers believe that vinegar can boost good cholesterol levels. They suggested that a spoonful or two of vinegar a day may help to boost good cholesterol levels. A clinical trial, conducted by the University of Minnesota, in the United States of America, which looked at 120 people, half of whom had the vinegar while the others were given a placebo containing a two per cent balsamic vinegar solution in water, indicated that people who consume apple cider vinegar for eight weeks had improved levels of good or HDL cholesterol compared with those given a placebo.Ironically, benefits of apple cider vinegar, a common kitchen remedy for arthritis and gout are many. It has already been shown to lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. A separate study based on animals with diabetes showed that apple cider vinegar lowered levels of bad cholesterol and improved good cholesterol.What is more, a combination of cocoa and skimmed milk may beneficially affect cholesterol levels in the blood of people that are at high-risk of cardiovascular disease, According to new data from Spain, daily consumption of 40 grammes of cocoa powder and 500 mL of skimmed milk for four weeks was associated with increases in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and reductions in levels of oxidised LDL (bad) cholesterol.Scientists from the University of Barcelona in a report that provided further evidence for recommending regular consumption of cocoa as a useful tool against risk factors for [coronary heart disease] wrote in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases that milk plus cocoa was associated with a five per cent increase in HDL cholesterol levels, compared to only milk. In addition, cocoa plus milk was associated with a 14 per cent reduction in oxidised LDL cholesterol levels, compared to milk only.While it is known that consumption of cocoa polyphenols may boost HDL cholesterol levels, and decrease LDL cholesterol levels, the Japanese researchers stated that 'the mechanisms responsible for these effects of cocoa on cholesterol metabolism is yet to be fully elucidated'.To date studies have reported potential benefits of cocoa for cardiovascular health, skin health, and even brain health.
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