Lactic acid bacteria positively affect blood pressure and fibrinogen levels as well as having beneficial effects on LDL cholesterol levels. Lactobacillus plantarum in particular may help prevent atherosclerosis formation. Lactic acid bacteria ferment fibre in the large intestine and produce SCFAs (short chain fatty acids) including acetic, proprionic and butyric acids. Acetic and proprionic acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and become metabolised via the liver. Researchers have suggested these SCFAs improve glucose tolerance and inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Butyric acid is also utilised by the heart muscle as oxidative fuel especially when oxygen flow to the heart is restricted, which may be the case if the coronary artery is occluded by plaque or constricted.

Due to its production of proprionic acid, supplementation of L.plantarum can also reduce inflammation and oxidative damage to LDL in the artery wall. Certain Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory (NSAID) medications such as Ibuprofen are derivatives of proprionic acid.

In common with other lactic acid bacteria, L.plantarum is able to deconjugate bile acids in the duodenum. Bile acids are water-soluble end products of cholesterol manufactured by the liver to aid with lipid digestion. During digestion, a high proportion of the bile acids are usually returned to the liver. However, if they are broken down by a resident population of lactic acid bacteria including L.plantarum then the liver has to synthesise new bile acids from serum cholesterol. This results in a reduction in the serum levels of cholesterol and less cholesterol is available to attach to rough areas in damaged artery walls, which would become foamed by the immune system in an attempt to quell the subsequent inflammation.

There are two types of cholesterol:

- Bad cholesterol: LDL – Low-density lipoproteins
- Good cholesterol: HDL – high-density lipoproteins

Omega 3 fatty acids are always on the top of the list in helping you lower your cholesterol levels. It’s funny how good fats (omega 3) can help reduce bad fats (LDL cholesterol).

There have been many studies that showed a reduction in the LDL cholesterol levels in participants who adopted more of a healthy diet, and started supplementing with fish oil.

It is the omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil that help to lower your cholesterol.

Fish oil is probably one of the best supplements for you to take. You should really consider learning more about it.