Fruit.
Fruits such as citrus fruits, apples, red grapes, avocados and pomegranates are rich in natural statins. They contain various beneficial compounds like vitamin C, pectins and resveratrol that help combat “bad” cholesterol.
Berries.
Berries contain the highest level of statins among all food. To achieve sufficient cholesterol-lowering effects, it is recommended to consuming at least one cup of berry juice or fresh berries daily. Give preference for blackberries, currants, strawberries, viburnum, wild strawberries or blueberries.
Vegetables.
Among vegetables, cabbage leads in natural statin content. This vegetable retains a significant amount of beneficial nutrients regardless of cooking method, including boiling or steaming. Other vegetables that follow in natural statin content include carrots (preferably raw), eggplants, sweet peppers, tomatoes, beets and onions. For example, regular consumption of beets can help prevent fatty liver disease. Due to its high antioxidant content, this root vegetable enhances cholesterol metabolism and reduces the risk of harmful toxins affecting liver cells.
Mushrooms.
Particularly, oyster mushrooms are notable because the statins they contain are closest to those found in synthetic medications. To obtain a sufficient amount of statins, you should consume at least 9 grams of these mushrooms daily. Recent studies have also shown that including them in your diet can be part of a healthy eating plan, as they meet nutritional requirements. Oyster mushrooms are low in fats and, therefore, free from cholesterol. Over 60% of their calories come from carbohydrates, with the remainder being plant-based proteins. In addition, oyster mushrooms have strong antibacterial properties due to the presence of benzaldehyde, which can kill harmful bacteria. They also help eliminate toxic and carcinogenic compounds from the body, making them beneficial for high cholesterol. These mushrooms are completely safe for human health compared to other types of mushrooms because they do not contain heavy metals or radioactive elements, as they grow only in environmentally clean conditions.
Fresh Greens and natural seasonings.
Fresh greens like lettuce, spinach and other varieties are excellent alternatives to synthetic statins. Greens can be eaten as standalone dishes or added to meals. Natural seasonings are also very beneficial as they retain statins in their dried form. For example, dried garlic is one of the most potent natural statins. Garlic slows down the production of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), but to feel the effects, it should be consumed for a prolonged period, at least one to three months. A drawback of this product is that not everyone can consume it, as garlic is contraindicated for individuals with gastritis, ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Consuming such products is very beneficial for regulating cholesterol levels. However, diet alone is not always sufficient to normalize cholesterol levels and, in some cases, medication such as statins (for example, Crestor, Atorlip) may be required. These medications should be taken regularly. Statins are typically taken once a day before bedtime because cholesterol synthesis is most active during the night. The effects can usually be observed within 3 days of starting treatment, with the maximum effect seen after 4-6 weeks.