High levels of cholesterol can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. While medication can be helpful in lowering cholesterol, there are also natural remedies that can be just as effective.
Here are five herbs that can help lower your cholesterol levels:.
1. Garlic
Garlic has been a popular natural remedy for centuries. Research suggests that garlic can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 15%, particularly the “bad” LDL cholesterol.
To add garlic to your diet, try adding fresh garlic to your meals or taking garlic supplements. Garlic can also be brewed into a tea or used in homemade salad dressings.
2. Turmeric
Curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the liver’s production of cholesterol.
Turmeric is also a potent anti-inflammatory herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues.
Turmeric can be taken in supplement form or added to your meals as a spice. You can also make a turmeric tea by steeping a teaspoon of turmeric in hot water for ten minutes.
3. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. It contains compounds that are known to help lower cholesterol levels. Research suggests that fenugreek can lower total cholesterol levels by up to 14%.
You can take fenugreek in supplement form or add it to your meals. Fenugreek seeds can be brewed into a tea by adding a teaspoon to a cup of hot water and steeping for five minutes.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a herb that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is also a powerful natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses.
Research suggests that ginger can lower cholesterol levels by reducing the liver’s production of cholesterol.
To add ginger to your diet, try adding fresh ginger to your meals or taking ginger supplements. Ginger can also be brewed into a tea or used in homemade salad dressings.
5. Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a plant that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Holy basil has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the liver’s production of cholesterol.
Holy basil is also a potent anti-inflammatory herb that can help protect the heart.
You can take holy basil in supplement form or brew the leaves into a tea. To make holy basil tea, steep a handful of fresh leaves in hot water for ten minutes.
Conclusion
Cholesterol is an important indicator of your heart health, and high levels can lead to serious health problems. While medication can be helpful in lowering cholesterol, natural remedies like herbs can be just as effective.
Garlic, turmeric, fenugreek, ginger, and holy basil are all herbs that have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. By incorporating these herbs into your diet, you can lower your cholesterol naturally and protect your heart health.