Cholesterol is an essential ingredient of the body. It performs several functions like transportation of fat, it provides defense mechanism, protects red blood cells and muscular membrane of the body. It travels through the blood in protein packages called lipoproteins. Low Density Lipoproteins, also called bad cholesterol, causes most blockages in the arteries. High Density Lipoprotein, the good cholesterol, removes the bad cholesterol from the blood and helps prevent heart attacks.
High blood pressure, obesity, stress, diabetes, a high fat diet, and / or excessive smoking and drinking can raise bad cholesterol to dangerous levels. You should definitely follow your doctor’s advice. There are a few natural remedies that can help along the way.
- 8-10 glasses of water a day will stimulate the kidneys and help lower cholesterol levels.
- Oatmeal, oat bran doesn’t just make a great breakfast that keeps you full for a long time, when eaten every day it can help lower cholesterol levels by up to 10 points.
- Sunflower seeds are a tasty treat and help lower cholesterol.
- A handful of walnuts or almonds every day provide the body with some of the healthy oils and lots of fiber and keeps cholesterol down.
- Lots of fiber every day will flush out the bad cholesterol. Flaxseed, Psyllium, Chia seed – find one you like or change it up for variety. Use this safe link for chia seed – TRY IT NOW!
- Green tea is a refreshing drink, hot or cold, plus it helps lower cholesterol levels. Green tea capsules are available as well, but the brewed tea was shown to be more effective in several studies. The combination of green tea and bitter melon can provide even greater benefits. Use this safe link to try it – TRY IT NOW!
- Onion juice cleans the blood, helps the digestive system, insomnia, heart, and lowers cholesterol.
- Garlic eaten every day gradually lowers cholesterol. A clove a day is recommended. To reduce garlic odor eating fresh parsley is highly recommended. The fresh greens will provide lots of Vitamin C as an added bonus.
- Coriander seed tea helps lower cholesterol. Take 1 glass of water and 2 tbsp of coriander seeds, boil together, let it cool, strain, and enjoy three times a day.
- If coriander tea isn’t for you, try cinnamon. Boil 10 pieces of cinnamon sticks, about 1 inch each, with 5 cups of water, sweeten with a little honey and drink it hot. This is said to be very effective. (Please don’t use honey if you are allergic to it!)
- Regular exercise plays a very important role in keeping your cholesterol levels in check.
- Adding soy products, fresh fruit, veggies and B6 Vitamins to your diet and consuming less unhealthy oils, whole milk, red meat, butter and cheese will help you reach healthy cholesterol levels.
There is a lot we can do naturally to keep our bodies healthy. Remember to always consult your physician. Let him/her know what you are doing to avoid possible side effects with medications you may be taking.
