Combination of Aloe Vera and Probiotics Lowers Cholesterol in Animal Study

High increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent animal study showed that supplements of the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) lowered total cholesterol levels in rats by 32%. Supplements of LGG and aloe Vera lowered them even further, to 43%.

The researchers divided the rats into four different intervention groups:

1. control with normal diet

2. hypercholesterolemic (high cholesterol) diet with LGG

3. hypercholesterolemic diet with aloe Vera

4. hypercholesterolemic with a combination of LGG and aloe Vera

The rats stayed on the diets for 45 days. At the end of the study period, the LGG and aloe Vera group saw the lowering of total cholesterol mentioned above, as well as a 12% increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, improvements in triacylglycerol levels, a 45% reduction in very low-density lipoprotein and a 30% reduction in low-density lipoprotein.

The study was conducted by researchers from India's National Institute of Nutrition. It was published online ahead of print on January 3, 2013, in the journal Nutrition.

Aloe Vera has been linked to a number of health benefits, including helping to heal burns and insect bites, improved oral health, lowering inflammation, improving digestion, improving blood sugar control, and improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Probiotics are most commonly known for improving digestion and gut health, but they have also been linked to other health benefits including a stronger immune system and a reduced risk of chronic disease.

Probiotics can be found naturally in many foods, such as yogurt, milk and sauerkraut. You may also consider taking a high quality supplement but make sure it is packaged to block light, air and moisture which can easily kill probiotics.