Much has been said about the ill effects of high cholesterol still many are unaware of it. People with high blood cholesterol levels have impaired blood circulation due to the formation of arterial plaques and blood clots, which ultimately leads to fatal stroke and heart attack.
Our food habits and lifestyle are responsible for high cholesterol numbers more often than not, and we do not heed about this unless a blood test report reveals some unhealthy facts. Cholesterol can be good or bad. LDL (Low Density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the bad one, a high level of which leads to the development of coronary heart disease, whereas HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is the good one, a higher number of which is preferable.
High blood cholesterol is mainly responsible for the rising number of cardiac patients in the 21st century. This is one of the worst forms of health disorders affecting the mankind, and it is high time we pay due attention to maintain a healthy LDL and HDL number.
Home Remedies For High Cholesterol
Cholesterol lowering treatment should start from home before reaching out to over-the- counter medications. Home remedies for high cholesterol are effective enough to enable healthy blood circulation essential for a healthy heart.
Eat more Fiber
Eating more fiber (vegetarian sources) regularly ensures healthy blood cholesterol levels. Water soluble plant fiber abundantly available in oatmeal, psyllium husk, beans, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts, lentils, flax seeds and apples are very effective in lowering high cholesterol by preventing the absorption of cholesterol by the intestine. Ensure enough quantities of fiber in your daily diet to lower the cholesterol numbers.
Drink Enough Water
Drinking enough water is another simple home remedy to lower cholesterol, but do not overdo. Water eliminates toxins from the body including the harmful cholesterol. Dehydration makes your blood acidic in nature favoring the build up of LDL cholesterol.
An adult should drink 2 liters of water daily to maintain a healthy blood circulatory system . Always drink clean de-chlorinated water. Presence of chlorine in drinking water also raises the plasma cholesterol level to some extent.
Chew Garlic Cloves
This is one of the prime and effective home remedies for high cholesterol. You may shrug off the idea of chewing smelly garlic cloves, but the treatment really works. Chew 2-3 medium sized garlic cloves early morning in empty stomach. The compound Diallylthiosulfinate allicin present in garlic inhibits the production of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, responsible for synthesizing cholesterol in high quantities.
Have Raw Onions
Red onions, commonly used for culinary purposes have amazing cholesterol lowering properties. Researches performed by scientists in Hong Kong revealed that bad LDL levels dropped to about 20% in people with high blood cholesterol after they were fed crushed raw onions for eight weeks.
It is believed that certain enzymes present in red onions inhibit the cholesterol forming mechanism. Onion also aids in raising the level of HDL or good cholesterol. You can consume one medium sized raw onion daily along with your meals to lower your blood cholesterol.
Use olive or Canola oil for Cooking
You may be unknowingly shooting up your blood cholesterol through your cooking oil. Hydrogenated oil and palm oil are not recommended for those with high blood cholesterol. Opt for oils rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which aid in lowering the bad cholesterol and raising the good cholesterol. Canola and olive oil are healthy choices to maintain a healthy lipid profile.
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Have more Omega-3- Fatty Acids
Fatty fish is considered as a heart-friendly food due to the presence of high quantities of omega-3-fatty acids in them. Omega-3- fatty acids reduce the rate of cholesterol production (mainly the bad LDL cholesterol) by the liver. Moreover, omega-3-fatty acids prevent the formation of plaque in the arterial walls and help in blood thinning.
You will find enough of these fatty acids in tuna, salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel. Having 2-3 servings of these in a week is quite effective in lowering high blood cholesterol. Flax seeds and walnuts are also rich in omega-3-fatty acids, the favorable choices for vegetarians.
Honey Reduces High Blood Cholesterol
Honey, the naturally available golden liquid is known to treat a number of ailments, and is also effective in reducing blood cholesterol provided it is taken in moderation. Consuming 1-5 tablespoons of honey 2-3 times a day can lower your blood cholesterol number as suggested by the University of Pittsburg Medical Center.
Consuming 4 tablespoons of honey daily raises the antioxidant level of your body, which is good for blood circulation and your heart. Though clinical studies have supported the efficacy of honey in lowering blood cholesterol, still it is recommended to seek professional consultation regarding its dosage.
Drink Green Tea
Studies show that those habituated in drinking green tea has low blood cholesterol levels than those who do not drink this tea.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, polyphenols present in green tea prevent the absorption of bad cholesterol in the blood stream and ultimately eliminate them from the body. Drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily to maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.