Excess amounts of cholesterol in the body is one of the major causes of heart disease and heart failure in humans all over the world today. Too much cholesterol in the body also leads to obesity. Therefore, there is a crucial need to be able to control cholesterol levels in order to lower blood levels and make the health of the heart better.
Most people now look up to natural remedies to help support and regulate their cholesterol levels such as following a very healthy diet and exercise routine as well as making use of some herbs that improve the cholesterol levels in the body. Although research on using the traditional form of herbal treatment for controlling cholesterol levels is still limited compared to research carried out on conventional medical treatment, those few natural products that have been tested and trusted and shown to be effective and clinically proven to reduce cholesterol have been doing wonders in this regard.
Many forms of cholesterol-lowering herbs abound and can be used at any time since they are readily available. But it is always a wise thing to confirm from a medical practitioner before incorporating any forms of supplements or alternative therapies into your diet, this is very important because some supplements may interact with other medication you’re taking or have the potential for dangerous side effect.
The Herbs For Lowering Cholesterol
Examples of some Herbs for lowering cholesterol in the body include:
#1. Astragalus
This herb has been greatly used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years along with other herbs to form a mixture sometimes for the purpose of supporting and boosting the immune system. This is possible because it has some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which not only protect the body from infectious agents but also act as an adaptogen that protects the body from various forms of stress. And most importantly, the herb Astragalus functions as an antioxidant that supports heart health and controls cholesterol levels.
#2. Ginseng
One of the oldest herbs also used in traditional Chinese medicine for ages is the Ginseng root. This herb is sometimes used alone or mostly combined with other herbs to get the desired result. It is believed that ginseng has the ability to treat so many types of ailments. And research has proven this to be true especially in the case of supporting healthy levels of bad and good cholesterol. In our time, ginseng is available in various forms such as in green tea bags, capsules, coffees, and even energy drinks.
#3. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most diverse and useful herbs of all tine used all over the world. It is edible both raw and cooked and is a major ingredient for cooking by different people all over the world in preparing different types of dishes. It is also available in a capsule or a tablet as an alternative.
For the purpose of lowering blood pressure, it has been found out that garlic not only does this but also regulates and reduces the cholesterol levels in the blood. Regular consumption of garlic for 3 months straight can do the trick of lowering cholesterol levels. But all these are just for a short time since once consumption is taken, the cholesterol levels in the blood might begin to increase once again.
#4. Fiber
Daily intake of fiber supplements such as psyllium, methylcellulose, wheat dextrin, and calcium polycarbophil can do a great deal in assisting to reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood generally, but most importantly eradicating the6bad cholesterol from the body. But it is important to reduce the amount of Fibre supplements taken as time goes by because it could lead to excess gassing and cramping of the muscles. Also, ensure that your body is well hydrated when on a high Fibre intake diet.
#5. Artichoke Extract
Artichoke leaf extract has almost the same time frame in being used as a form of traditional medical treatment as Ginseng. For many years, through the evolution of medicine, this herb has been used for a number of ailments and the one it is mostly known for is its ability to assist in making sure the body has only healthy cholesterol.
Artichoke leaf extract has been tested many times for research purposes and many clinical trials have been carried out most of which have come out positive to the fact that this herb actually supports the overall control and monitoring of the blood cholesterol levels and deals with the bad cholesterol which improves health and makes living much better.
#6. Guggulipid
The traditional form of Indian medicine known as the Ayurvedic medicine has made use of Guggulipid which is the gum resin of the Mukul myrrh tree for over one thousand years. Many studies and research have been carried out on this herb and most have shown and confirmed that guggulipid had an impact in greatly causing the reduction in blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. But most of these studies do not meet the criteria for scientific validity.
#7. Plant sterol and stanol supplements
Plant sterols and stanols are substances found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and other plants. Some processed foods are also fortified with plant sterols or stanols. For example, you may find fortified margarine, orange juice, or yogurt products. Plant sterols and stanols do a great job at greatly reducing the risk of heart disease as well as preventing the small intestine from absorbing excess cholesterol. This can lower bad LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.