Saturday Nov 23, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Barbara Wider, Institute of Health Services Research, University of Exeter Medical School in Exeter, UK and colleagues published a review in The Cochrane Library suggesting that artichoke leaf extract can help treat hypercholesterolaemia – a condition in which patients suffer high cholesterol. 

High cholesterol, as a symptom of metabolic syndrome, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease and other sequelae of atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and cancer.  In early studies, artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has been found able to lower cholesterol levels.

The mini review shows some evidence suggesting that taking artichoke leaf extract can reduce cholesterol by up to 18% after weeks of ALE supplementation.

In addition to artichoke, some other supplements can also lower cholesterol effectively including red yeast rice, spirulina, vitamin C, red grape seed extract, plant sterols, green tea and dietary fiber.  All the dietary supplements are available on the Internet and may be also available at local health stores.

High cholesterol, which can be caused by consuming cholesterol-loaded meat, eggs, dairy and fish, has been linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. (David Liu, PHD)