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Heart and blood pressure: cholesterol

Cholesterol and blood fats. What people try, how far the research on each has got, and the products that contain them.

What people try

4Healthy eating patterns (Mediterranean, DASH, whole foods)Stage 4 · Widely recommended · Free; a change in eatingThe Mediterranean diet is a plant-focused eating plan based on the traditional foods and cooking methods of the Mediterranean region.Main risk: It says people may have lower iron levels.3BerberineStage 3 · Large studies in people · Over-the-counter supplementBerberine is a substance found in several plants, such as goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape.Main risk: Berberine has been linked to a harmful buildup of bilirubin in infants, which can cause brain damage.2Fiber supplementsStage 2 · Small studies in people · Over-the-counter supplementPsyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative used to treat constipation.Main risk: Psyllium powder accidentally breathed in while mixing a dose can cause allergic reactions.2TesamorelinStage 2 · Small studies in people · Prescription, approved only for belly fat in HIVA lab-made version of GHRH, the brain hormone that tells the body to release growth hormone.

Products

Sorted by the best research stage of each product's ingredients, then by price. The stage describes research on the ingredient, not proof that the product works.

Supplements 9

DoubleWoodBerberine SupplementBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$19.95ProHealth Longevity · capsuleBerberine Pro - 600 mg, 60 capsulesBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$29.95Life Extension · tabletBerberine 1000, 1000 mg, 60 tabletsBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$29.99Thorne · capsuleBerberine - 30 ServingsBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$44Renue By ScienceBerberineBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$49.95DoubleWoodPsyllium Husk SupplementFiber supplements2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$19.95NOW Foods · capsulePsyllium Husk Caps 500 mg Veg CapsulesFiber supplements2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$23.09Metamucil · powderFiber+ Vitamins C, D & B12 Sparkling Fiber PowderFiber supplements2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$39.39Benefiber · powderBenefiber Original Powder Fiber SupplementFiber supplements2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$69.99

Recent research

Study in 100 sedentary older adults with HIV, aged 50 to 80, planned

Study plan tests a drug plus exercise for physical strength in older adults with HIV

This paper describes the plan for a trial, not its results.

Study in 96 adults with diabetic foot ulcers, plus small groups for cell studies

Berberine shot near foot wounds helped diabetic ulcers heal more in one trial

In a randomized trial of 96 people, berberine plus surgery healed more ulcers than surgery alone.

Study in 49 older patients with atrial fibrillation, average age 78

Mediterranean diet linked to two mitochondrial proteins in older heart patients

People who followed the Mediterranean diet more closely had higher blood levels of two small proteins.

Summary of earlier studies

How everyday surroundings may affect heart failure in older adults

This review looks at pollution, noise, heat, and other surroundings linked to heart failure in older people.

New study

Healthy diets linked to slower epigenetic aging in two large groups

Researchers compared ten healthy diet scores and how they relate to DNA aging markers.

See all the latest research →

What others are writing

Recent articles from health journalists, hospitals and universities. We link to them; we don't write or endorse them.

Cleveland Clinic · Jun 10, 2025

Berberine: What It Is, Benefits and Side Effects ↗

Berberine: The article describes berberine's uses, possible benefits, side effects, and safety concerns, and advises talking to a healthcare provider first.

health.osu.edu · Alma Simmons, RDN, LD, CDCES · Feb 12, 2025

Does berberine really help with weight loss? ↗

Berberine: The article says berberine produces modest weight loss and blood sugar lowering but is less effective than GLP-1 medications.

health.harvard.edu · Maureen Salamon · Sep 1, 2024

Mediterranean diet may help you live longer ↗

Healthy eating patterns: A study of 25,315 women links closer adherence to a Mediterranean diet with a lower risk of dying over 25 years.

news.harvard.edu · BWH Communications · Jun 3, 2024

Women who follow Mediterranean diet live longer ↗

Healthy eating patterns: A large Harvard-affiliated study found women who closely followed the Mediterranean diet had up to 23 percent lower risk of death over 25 years.

This is general information gathered from the sources listed, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new.