Natural Ways To Lower Cholesterol

For a healthy heart it is important to maintain correct cholesterol levels. Along with the issues you are no doubt aware of, high cholesterol levels may also contribute to gall stones and high blood pressure. There are a number of herbs used for naturally lowering cholesterol.

Medically, several herbs have shown to be as effective as mainstream drugs for lowering cholesterol and far safer with no dangerous side effects. Natural cholesterol lowering herbs also help change the ration of of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL).

Herbs have also been known to correct a disorder in the liver that controls fat metabolism. Many of the cholesterol lowering herbs also have antioxidant properties protecting blood vessel walls and overall health. Be certain to research your herbs before using.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek inhibits cholesterol absorption and decreases its manufacture by the liver. Fenugreek also helps to lower elevated triglycerides and control blood sugar levels in pre-diabetes stage. May help reduce cholesterol.

Garlic: Garlic has been shown to lower LDL levels while helping to increase good  HDL levels. In some cases studies done, garlic will reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by up to 15%. Garlic prevents oxidation of LDL and limits the build of arterial plaque. Garlic is known for lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol.

Green Tea: Green Tea is known to reduce cholesterol and increase the excretion of lipids. Green Tea also inhibits the enzyme that promotes blood vessel constriction. Antioxidant effects help prevent aerial damage & regulate blood sugar levels.

Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus linearis) is a medicinal herb indigenous to South Africa and is widely used for its restorative and anti-oxidant properties. Rooibos can help to control blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and enhance immune functioning. It is an extremely nutritious herb, containing Vitamin C, Alphahydroxy Acid, potassium, copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and fluoride.

Turmeric/ Curcumin is a very strong antioxidant that provides antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cholesterol-lowering effects. In addition, it was been widely used for patients suffering from Hepatitis C. Curcumin is an extract from the spice Turmeric, which has been shown to have multiple health benefits.

Psyllium is native to Iran and India. The seeds are primarily used in traditional herbal medicine, which is a common ingredient in bulk laxative products. Studies have shown that psyllium found in supplements can lower LDL cholesterol. This study showed improvement in both children and adults. This benefit is believed to come from the soluble fiber component of psyllium.

Olive Leaf (Oleae europaea) considered a panacea in ancient times, is being rediscovered today for all its nourishing properties. In particular, Olive Leaf is showing itself to be very effective in supporting our body’s natural defense systems (immune & circulatory) and promoting healthy cholesterol levels. Olive Leaf lowers blood pressure in persons afflicted with Hypertension (primarily due to its Oleoeuropein content). Oleoeuropein increases blood circulation to the Heart. Olive Leaf (extract) helps to suppress the replication of the HIV virus implicated in AIDS [physician’s observations].

Olive Leaf inhibits or suppresses many types of Viruses. Olive Leaf alleviates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) (primarily due to the Oleoeuropein content of Olive Leaf) (physician’s observations). Olive Leaf inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol.

Olive Leaf alleviates Fibromyalgia (primarily due to the Oleoeuropein content of Olive Leaf) (physician’s observations). Olive Leaf alleviates (chronic) Sinusitis (physician’s observations: some physicians have reported total cure from Sinusitis symptoms after Olive Leaf therapy).

Oat Straw is also great at nourishing heart health and balancing cholesterol. You know oatmeal is great for you, but so are other parts of the oat plant. There are a number of other benefits from oatstraw as well that make it an outstanding addition to our list. Learn about oats here…

Peppermint tea is not only very tasty, but may be able to lower LDL levels, raise HDL levels and even lower triglycerides too.

Ginger root may reduce inflammation, and this is likely why some researchers think it’s beneficial for lowering high cholesterol. More studies are needed to prove this however there are many who swear by it. Certainly there are many proven, related benefits that make it a good addition.

Along with herbs, watch your fiber intake. Fiber can be obtained through foods such as whole grains and vegetables. It is thought that fiber binds to cholesterol in the small intestine and preventing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream.

Lowering Cholesterol recommendations include:

• Diet – Except for people that have an abnormal liver condition, diet is the leading way to lower cholesterol naturally. You may think your diet is healthy but the chances are you consume more saturated fats than you realize. You may find you have small amounts of saturated fats in almost ever meal and don’t even realize it.
• Reduce your intake of saturated fats. Reduce all processed foods, hydrogenated oils, butter, margarine, fried foods, meat and animal fats. Increase your intake of steamed and raw foods, whole grains, legumes, fresh vegetables, fruit and salads.
• It’s very important to increase your intake of Omega 3, 6 & 9 unsaturated fats from cold pressed oils such as virgin olive oil, evening primrose oil, and organic flax seed oil. Taken directly and used as a replacement for salads and foods, these oils help increase your level of HDLs (good cholesterol) and lower cholesterol LDLs (bad cholesterol).
• Check your numbers with your doctor or qualified professional regularly. Consulting with a dietitian is advised to help you stay on course with a proper meal plan.

You can find most of these herbs in our Cholest Off Tea already balanced for taste.