Home Remedies for Dipping High Cholesterol Levels
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1. Nuts
Nuts are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, proteins, fiber,
nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. One should include a handful of
nuts in daily diet. Peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios,
pecans, and other nuts reduce blood cholesterol. Studies have revealed
that eating a quarter cup of almonds a day can lower LDL by 4.4 percent.
Moreover, you can consume some roasted almonds without oil. Walnuts
contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Chomp them to lower your LDL
by 16 percent.
Note – All nuts are high in calories, so avoid overeating.
2. Oatmeal
Oats are considered as traditional cholesterol buster. It is packed
with soluble fiber and contains beta-glucans that helps reduce the
absorption of cholesterol and lower down its level naturally. You can
drop your LDL by 12-24%, if you eat 1½ cups of oatmeal regularly.
3. Onions
Grind an onion in a juicer. Add one teaspoon of honey in a teaspoon
of onion juice. Alternatively, take one cup of buttermilk and mix one
finely chopped onion along with one-quarter teaspoon of pepper in it.
Consume it on daily basis.
4. Orange Juice
Orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C, flavonoids and folate.
Drinking 3 cups of fresh orange juice regularly can help you reduce
blood cholesterol levels.
5. Coriander Seeds
Studies have shown that coriander can lower the levels of total
cholesterol and triglycerides. The seeds of coriander have hypoglycemic
effects that are also beneficial for diabetic patients. Take one cup of
water and add 2 teaspoons of coriander seed powder to it. Boil this
solution for a few seconds, and then, strain. Add some milk, sugar, and
cardamom for taste. Drink it twice a day.
6. Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used
to lower the cholesterol levels. It contains monacolins, isoflavones,
sterols, and monounsaturated fatty acids. For lowering the high
cholesterol level, consume 1200 to 2400 mg of the supplement once or
twice a day.
Note – It should be used under a physician’s direction.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps lower your triglyceride and total
cholesterol levels. It is a very effective remedy for curing a number of
ailments. Mix 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of
water and drink it 2 – 3 times a day for at least a month.
Moreover, if you don’t like its taste, you can mix some fresh orange
juice, grape juice, apple juice or any of your favorite juice with apple
cider vinegar.
8. Fish Oil
Fish oils and fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, trout, salmon,
herring, bluefish and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. They
lower triglycerides and prevent heart ailments. Consume around 1-4 gram
of fish oil daily.
Moreover, eat at least 2 servings of fish once in a week, most
probably fatty fish, as they are the richest source of omega-3 fatty
acids.
Alternatively, if you are a vegetarian, then include ground flaxseeds which are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
9. Honey
Honey is loaded with a number of minerals and vitamins which makes it
an ultimate cholesterol fighter. Besides, the antioxidants present in
honey do not let the cholesterol move out of the blood and also prevents
its entry into the lining of the blood vessels.
Add 1 teaspoon of honey to 1 cup of hot water. You can also add one
teaspoon of lemon juice or 10 drops of apple cider vinegar to this
solution. Drink it in the morning. This may reduce excess fat from your
system and maintain cholesterol level.
Alternatively, take a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and mix it in a cup of
boiling water. Cover it for 30 minutes. Afterwards, strain this
solution and add one teaspoon of honey to this concoction. Drink it on
an empty stomach half an hour before your breakfast.
10. Soybeans
Soybeans are well-off in magnesium, phosphorus, protein, calcium, B
complex vitamins, and iron. It contains 10 times more calcium than meat.
Eating soya nuts, soybeans and other food products made from soy (tofu
and soy milk) are the modest way to reduce the production of new
cholesterol. It is recommended that consuming 25 grams of soya protein
in a day can lower the high cholesterol by 5-6 percent.
Note – Some people may face digestion problems when they eat soya.
They may perceive loose stools, stomach ache, or diarrhea. So consult a
nutritionist before including this smart food into your diet.
11. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry has high vitamin C content and abundance of
minerals that can deal with a number of ailments. It is a powerful
antioxidant that strengthens the heart muscles by reducing excess
cholesterol build-up, thus, keeps the arteries and blood vessels clean.
Add 1 teaspoon powder of Indian gooseberry in a glass of warm water.
Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
12. Garlic
The high nutritional value and unique taste of garlic has made it a
kitchen staple. It plays an important role in treating several diseases,
apart from adding up an appetizing savor to food. The anti-clotting
properties and sulfur contents of garlic balances the cholesterol level
and reduce the formation of plaque in blood vessels and prevents clots
that can cause heart stroke. Grate freshly peeled raw garlic onto your
salad dressings, dal, rasam, pizza, or soups.
Alternatively, consume 2 – 4 cloves of garlic with water every day.
13. Brown Rice
Brown rice is affluent in lots of minerals, fiber and vitamins. If
you want to lower your cholesterol level, then replace white rice with
brown rice, as its bran contain highly saturated oil which plays a vital
role in balancing the cholesterol levels. One cup of brown rice
provides 11 percent fiber.
14. Turmeric
Turmeric holds excellent wound healing properties. It also lowers the
levels of LDL cholesterol; hence, it can cut down the build-up of
plaque on the walls of the arteries. This may lower the blood
cholesterol.
Adding a dash of turmeric powder to the curries and vegetable while
cooking is one of the best ways to get a daily dose of this powerful
herb.
Alternatively, boil 1½ tablespoons of water and mix ¾ teaspoon turmeric
and 2 tablespoons of cooked mashed eggplant in it. Now, spread this
paste on whole wheat bread and eat after meals.
15. Brinjal (Eggplant)
Brinjal is a reasonable and easily accessible vegetable that contains
ample amount of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B1 and B6, manganese,
niacin, folate, copper and many more essential nutrients that maintain
blood cholesterol levels. Eggplant also contains nasunin, a free radical
scavenger that improves the blood flow by relaxing the walls of blood
vessels. Incorporate brinjal in your diet to reduce the harmful LDL
cholesterol from your body. It can be consumed in any form – stuffed,
marinated, grilled, roasted, or fried.
Alternatively, you can have an eggplant juice for balancing your cholesterol levels.
Note:
People with gall bladder or kidney diseases should avoid eating brinjals, as they are rich in oxalates.
Those who have acidity problem should avoid its consumption.
If you have excessive bile humor, avoid eating it.
It should not be consumed during pregnancy.
16. Coconut Oil
Although, coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is considered one of the
most beneficial and effective home remedies for high cholesterol. It
contains lauric acid that increases HDL and improves the LDL/HDL ratio.
While cooking, add moderate amount of organic coconut oil. Consume at
least one to two tablespoons of this oil daily.
Note – Do not use processed or refined coconut oil.
17. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are rich in minerals like potassium, iron, calcium,
selenium, manganese and zinc. They also contain good amount of vitamins
B, A and C. The components, termed as steroidal saponins, present in
fenugreek seeds reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the body that
comes from fat-rich foods we eat. Take 2 ounces of fenugreek seeds daily
to lower down the level of cholesterol by 14 percent. Besides, it
reduces the risk of heart attack by 25%.
Alternatively, these seeds can be taken in powered form along with water.
The leaves of fenugreek can be added to salad to enhance the mineral intake.
Add these seeds to various recipes as a spice, or as an herb by adding its leaves.
Note:
The seeds of fenugreek have a strong bitter taste. So, be cautious on
its quantity. In order to remove the bitterness, soak the seeds
overnight.
However, fenugreek leaves are not bitter and can be used in large quantity. They render a very pleasing aroma and taste to food.
18. Beans
Beans are packed with cholesterol lowering soluble fiber. Hence, they
bring down the LDL level and help keep your heart healthy. There are
several types of beans, such as kidney, pinto, navy, chickpea, black, or
butter beans. Eat, regularly, a cup of your favorite bean for 6 weeks,
so as to decrease the cholesterol by 10%.
19. Avocados
Even though avocados do not have any dietary cholesterol, they
directly affect the cholesterol levels. This creamy fruit is filled with
several nutritious qualities and contains significant amount of fiber
and good fats such as oleic acid, healthy monounsaturated fat that
lowers the unhealthy cholesterol level and boosts up the HDL (good
cholesterol). It can be added to a variety of dishes. You can mix it
into guacamole, slice it in salad or top a sandwich. Alternatively, make
a fine avocado dip.
Note – Being high in calories and fat (30 grams fat and 300 calories per avocado), avocados should be used moderately.
20. Olive Oil
Olive oil is enriched with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that
can cut down the LDL cholesterol without affecting the HDL. Consume at
least 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a day. You can also sauté or roast
the vegetables in this oil.
Alternatively, use it in salad dressings or for marinating chicken and fish.
Moreover, use olive oil as an alternative for butter while basting meat, or can be used as a dip for bread.
Note – Olive oil contains lot of calories, so don’t consume more than the recommended quantity.
21. Apples
Apple is rich in pectin and contains natural antioxidants known as
flavonoids in their skin that lower cholesterol level and keep your
lungs healthy. One medium sized apple contains vitamin A and C, around
four grams of fiber and less than 100 calories. So, enjoy this healthy
fruit.
Fruits like pear, oranges, grapefruit, berries, and pomegranate also
decrease the cholesterol levels in the blood because of their high fiber
content.
Note – If possible, consume fruits with their skin, as it contains additional fiber.
22. Celery
The high antioxidant content of celery lowers the risk of heart
disease, as it prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol. A component
present in celery, called butylphthalide, balances the cholesterol
level. You can include it in salads, vegetable juice, soups and any
other dish.
Or else, have a juice made of celery leaves.
Instead of potato chips, fill your lunch box with celery sticks.
Chomping 2 stalks of celery, every day, can lower the LDL by 7 points.
23. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens have anti-inflammatory properties, and are also
abundant in sulforaphane, calcium, fiber, and vitamin C that regulate
the blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These are low in sodium,
hence, reduce the LDL. Consume half cup of mustard greens, in a day, to
lower down the cholesterol level by 15 percent.
24. Broccoli
Besides possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,
broccoli has a variety of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, fiber,
magnesium, and vitamin C. The fiber in broccoli combines with the bile
acids in the digestive tract and excretes it out from the body. This
way, it drops the blood cholesterol level.So, make it a part of your
diet by including it in soups and salads.
Note:
Don’t overcook it; otherwise, all its important nutrients will fade away.
Raw broccoli is less beneficial than steamed one.
25. Chocolate
Chocolate is a powerful antioxidant that maintains the HDL
cholesterol levels. The cocoa flavanols and plant sterols found in dark
non-milk chocolate can reduce the LDL cholesterol by 2-5%. The
flavonoids in chocolates prevent blood platelets from sticking together
and keep the arteries unclogged. Eat about an ounce of chocolate in a
day to boost up the good cholesterol and prevent the bad cholesterol
from oxidizing.
Note – Choose a chocolate that has bittersweet taste or dark one. Milk chocolate has no flavonoids.
26. Red Wine
Alcohol can lift up the HDL cholesterol level by 5-15 percent. Red
wine is advantageous in lowering cholesterol level because of its
polyphenol antioxidants. It is recommended that women should drink a
5-ounce glass of wine, in a day, while men can drink up to two glasses.
If you don’t prefer to take alcohol, then substitute it with grape
juice. It provides equal benefits.
27. Barley
It is the most nutritious cereal that helps lower the blood
cholesterol and triglyceride levels and normalize the blood sugar
levels. A fiber called beta-glucan, present in barley reduces the
cholesterol levels by 4 to 10 percent, depending on its consumption. It
is an excellent substitute for wheat. Consume this healthy food in the
form of chapattis and noodles.
28. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an important source of lycopene, an antioxidant that
gives tomatoes their red color. Daily consumption of lycopene lowers the
level of LDL cholesterol. Simply munch on raw tomatoes or sip tomato
juice.
Note – Cooking tomatoes with some oil helps your body to absorb more lycopene.
29. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds have abundant lignans that decrease blood cholesterol,
promote a healthy digestive tract, and keeps the heart problems at bay.
It is loaded with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which checks the
production and absorption of cholesterol. Simply take flaxseeds with
water to lower the LDL level.
30. Spinach
Spinach contains plenty of lutein that prevents the cholesterol from
getting attached to the arterial walls and protects arteries from
clogging. Vitamin E present in it checks the formation of plaque, hence,
reduces the risk of heart stroke.
Alternatively, you can consume baby spinach leaves for a small meal.
Just microwave them for 3 minutes. Add some Parmesan. Eat it with a
whole wheat bread. It is a healthy snack that lowers your cholesterol
level.
31. Yogurt
Regular consumption of one cup plain yogurt with active cultures can
reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) by 4 percent. Apart from this, it
reduces the overall risk of heart ailments by 10 percent
32. Beets
Beets are loaded with carotenoids and flavonoids, which checks the
build-up of LDL, and raises healthy cholesterol levels in the body. It
also contains several essential nutrients – fiber, vitamin C, folate,
manganese and potassium that heal various ailments. Have beetroot juice
or combine it with some other fresh fruit juice.
Note:
Drinking beet juice in abundance can cause temporary discoloration of the stool and urine.
Beets have plenty of oxalates which can crystallize, and cause stone problems.
The beetroot juice can stain hands and countertops, so use gloves while preparing it.
Herbal Remedies for Lowering High Cholesterol
33. Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidant compounds that can lower the
cholesterol level as these compounds help the blood protect the LDL
cholesterol particles from oxidation. Hence, it prevents the blood clot
and relaxes the blood vessels. A single cup of green tea has more
antioxidants than any other vegetable or fruit. So, enjoy at least 3
cups of green tea every day.
34. Licorice Root
5 to 15 grams of licorice extract, three times a day, is recommended
for lowering the high cholesterol levels. You can sip licorice tea. Boil
150 ml milk/water in a pan, then add 1 teaspoon licorice root. Lower
the heat and allow it to brew for 5 minutes. Don’t add sugar/honey, as
licorice itself is 50% sweeter than sugar. Filter this solution in a
cup.
Note – People with high blood pressure, nerve problems, heart
disease, hypokalemia (low potassium), kidney disease, erectile
dysfunction, and pregnant women should not consume it.
35. Chicory Root
Chicory root is popularly known as an additive for coffee. Being a
great source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants, this root
wondrously balances the cholesterol level and prevents cardiovascular
ailments. It regulates the natural metabolism of body’s cholesterol,
thereby, checks the high production of LDL cholesterol. It can be used
as coffee additive and substitute.
Alternatively, chicory leaves and buds can be added to salad and other foodstuffs.
Note – Avoid products with chicory during pregnancy.
36. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a cholesterol-buster herb that speeds up the metabolism
and lowers the LDL cholesterol because of its high fiber content. Cook
it in a double boiler. Add maple syrup or little honey as sweetener. You
can also add cardamom or vanilla. It is better to consume this after a
rich fat meal.
Note:
Don’t eat the leaves of Rhubarb, as they contain poisonous chemical called oxalic acid.
Cooking Rhubarb can increase the antioxidant capacity along with its polyphenol content.
Avoid it during pregnancy.
37. Artichoke
The leaves of artichoke plant contain a special type of compound,
termed as cynarine, which increases the production of bile in the liver
that results in rapid elimination of cholesterol from the body, hence,
unclog the arterial walls. So, this veggie actually lowers blood
cholesterol levels.
38. Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry acts as a tonic for heart which nurtures the entire
circulatory system, and thus, lowers the cholesterol levels. Its leaves,
berries and flowers are used for curing heart problems. You should take
it 3 times a day in any form – capsule, powder or tincture.
In order to make the tincture, soak 4 ounces of the berries in a pint of brandy for 2 weeks, and then strain.
Alternatively, you can have hawthorn tea. For preparing the tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of berries in hot water.
39. Margarine
Margarines are enriched with a substance called plant sterols that
help lower the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). Take it on a regular
basis, for 3 weeks or more, to reduce the cholesterol level by 10
percent. Since margarines are made from plant oils, they contain zero
cholesterol. It can be used in cooking and baking. You can also spread
it on your bagel or toast.
Note – It reduces beta-carotene absorption. Hence, compensate this by
eating lots of carrots, sweet red peppers, spinach and sweet potatoes.
40. Ginger
Ginger is an herb that not only adds flavor to your food, but also
decreases the cholesterol levels. You can have ginger tea that prevents
sore throats and controls cholesterol as well. Besides this, you can add
it to your food while cooking.
These home remedies will check your LDL cholesterol to a great
extent, but it is equally important to bring changes in your lifestyle
for the best results.
