High Cholesterol Home Remedies

High Cholesterol Home Remedies
High Cholesterol can be mitigated with herbs like turmeric, garlic, coriander, guggulu, alfalfa and fenugreek. Cholesterol is a kind of fat in our blood and it plays a critical role in the functioning of the bile, vitamin D, cell membranes, sex hormones and nerve sheaths. The liver manufactures about a gram each day and that is adequate for all our needs.
Cholesterol Types: The Good, the Bad and Triglycerides
Not all the cholesterol is bad for us. There are three kinds of blood cholesterol - The good cholesterol or the high-density cholesterol(HDL), the bad cholesterol or the low-density cholesterol(LDL) and triglycerides. HDL helps to keep the arteries from clogging up and protects against heart disease. LDL can block our arteries and increases our risks for heart disease. Triglycerides are another form of fat that can also increase our chances of heart disease.
High cholesterol, clinically termed as hyperlipidemia, is characterized by above-normal blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and below-normal blood levels of high-density lipoprotein(HDL or good cholesterol).
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High Cholesterol Symptoms
Unfortunately, there are no obvious symptoms of high cholesterol, so it's important to have your doctor perform a blood analysis regularly. One sign of high cholesterol can be a buildup of cholesterol rings under the eyes. But, do watch out for signs of circulatory problems, dizziness, mental confusion or dullness and difficulty breathing after minor exertion. In some individuals, excess cholesterol maybe stored in the skin and tendons, creating bumps known as xanthomas.
High Cholesterol Lifestyle Choices
Get regular medical checkups and record your cholesterol and cardiovascular risk marker levels.
Smoking is a huge risk for heart disease. If you smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke, and have high cholesterol, do quit immediately.
Exercise lowers LDL levels, while raising those of HDL. Find an activity that interests you, and pursue it regularly.
High Cholesterol Diet
Oats, brown rice, beans and fruits are good sources of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber has a dramatic ability to reduce cholesterol levels.
Nuts, especially walnuts, have been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Eat a handful daily.
Garlic and onions help lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL, add them to your dishes frequently.
Olive oil has been found to increase HDL levels (the "good" cholesterol). Whenever possible, substitute this for your cooking oil.
Sugar and alcohol stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol. Avoid alcoholic beverages and all sources of refined sugar, especially sodas, candy and baked goods.
Substitute coffee and black tea with green tea, it has much lesser caffeine levels. High caffeine intake has been linked to high cholesterol. Moreover, green tea is rich in antioxidants which may prevent cholesterol oxidation.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid which can help lower cholesterol.
High Cholesterol Herbal Remedies
· Garlic Treatment For Cholesterol
The Sankrit word, "Lahsunah", for garlic, means "that which devours diseases of the heart", it is indeed a good home remedy for heart ailments. Compounds in garlic causes blood clots to dissolve more quickly and improve blood fluidity. Studies show that garlic contains hydrogen sulfide, which interacts with the red blood cells and helps the vessels and capillaries to relax. This in turns lowers the blood pressure. It also contains peptides which prevents blood pressure from raising and lowers cholesterol levels. Garlic decoction or a few cloves of garlic in food is an excellent cardiac supplement. Read other Garlic Home Remedies.
· Turmeric Lowers Cholesterol
Curcumin, the active constituent of Turmeric has the ability to communicate with the liver cells and stimulate the LDL receptors. The increased presence of these receptors helps in clearing the LDL or bad cholesterol from the system. Curcumin, is a rich source of Vitamin B6 and prevents the oxidation of cholesterol thus protecting the heart from plaques that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Read other Turmeric Home Remedies.
· Amla Cholesterol Remedy
In labaratory studies, amla has been proven to effective for high cholesterol and prevention of atherosclerosis. It strengthens the heart muscles and causes asignificant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A 500 mg capsule of dried Amla powder can be added to your daily routine after consulting with your doctor. Read other Amla Home Remedies.
· Arjuna - The Heart Tonic
Arjuna is a celebrated Ayurvedic remedy for heart ailments. It has shown to inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoprotein and revive high density lipoprotein ratio. A decoction from the bark can be consumed twice daily to insure against angina, high cholesterol and hyper tension. Read other Arjuna Home Remedies.
· Coriander Seeds For Cholesterol
Prepare a coriander seed decoction or a coriander leaf juice and drink this every day. It keeps the blood cholesterol in check by decreasing LDL or bad cholesterol and raising the level of HDL or good cholesterol in the body. Read other Coriander Home Remedies.
· Fenugreek For Cholesterol
Fenugreek is rich in steroidal(furostanol) saponins - notably trigoneosides and diosgenin. These are responsible for its efficacy on blood fat and cholesterol levels. Two ounces of fenugreek seed can be added as part of the diet to develop a healthier heart. Read other Fenugreek Home Remedies.
· Lower Cholesterol With Guggulu
The Ayurvedic herb, Guggul is a good medication for obesity and high cholesterol. It works on the liver by increasing the metabolism or the breaking down of the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides. It also prevents the arteries from hardening. Guggul can be consumed as capsules.
· Alfalfa Sprouts And Cholesterol
Researchers have found that both alfalfa plant and alfalfa sprout saponin preparations bind to and absorb significant quantities of cholesterol. Alfalfa is also a rich source of potassium. The seeds are generally consumed as sprouts.
High Cholesterol, Healing With Supplements
· Vitamin C
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is the first line of defence against the heart. It reduces the oxidation of LDL and prevent heart disease. More on Vitamin C
· Vitamin E
Vitamin E is yet another powerful anti-oxidant that will prevent the cholesterol from oxidizing. More on Vitamin E.
· Niacin
Niacin, a B-Vitamin has been found to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising the HDL levels in the body. More on Niacin
· Selenium, Zinc and Copper
Minerals Selenium, Zinc and Copper are also effective in controlling