High cholesterol levels can pose a significant risk to your cardiovascular health. Fortunately, there are various natural remedies available, such as herbs, that can help lower cholesterol levels.
In this article, we will explore the top 30 cholesterol-lowering herbs and provide photos to help you familiarize yourself with them.
1. Turmeric
.
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice commonly used in Asian cuisine. This herb contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that turmeric can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels.
2. Garlic
.
Garlic is not only a popular cooking ingredient but also a powerful herb with numerous health benefits. It contains allicin, a compound known for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Consuming garlic regularly can help reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
3. Ginger
.
Ginger is a versatile herb used in both savory and sweet dishes. It contains gingerol, a bioactive compound that has been found to lower cholesterol levels. Ginger can also help reduce blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease.
4. Cinnamon
.
Cinnamon not only adds a delightful flavor to various dishes but also offers cholesterol-lowering benefits. It contains compounds that can increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
5. Fenugreek
.
Fenugreek is an herb commonly used in Indian cuisine. It contains soluble fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that fenugreek supplementation can lead to a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
6. Holy Basil
.
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a sacred herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains eugenol, a compound that can lower cholesterol levels. Holy basil extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
7. Hawthorn
.
Hawthorn is a herb commonly used in herbal medicine for its cardiovascular benefits. It contains antioxidants and flavonoids that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow.
Hawthorn is known to reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels.
8. Artichoke
.
Artichoke is a unique herb known for its mildly bitter taste. It contains compounds called cynarin and luteolin, which have cholesterol-lowering effects. Artichoke extract has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
9. Dandelion
.
Dandelion is commonly considered a pesky weed, but it has incredible health benefits. It contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Dandelion leaf and root extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
10. Red Yeast Rice
.
Red yeast rice is a fermented product made from rice and a specific type of yeast. It naturally contains monacolin K, which is similar to the active ingredient in some cholesterol-lowering medications.
Red yeast rice has been shown to effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels.
11. Green Tea
.
Green tea is a popular beverage known for its high antioxidant content. It contains catechins, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of green tea has been associated with reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
12. Flaxseed
.
Flaxseed is a tiny seed that packs a nutritional punch. It is rich in fiber and alpha-linolenic acid, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Adding ground flaxseed to your diet has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
13. Nettle
.
Nettle, also known as stinging nettle, is a herb commonly used in traditional medicine. It contains plant sterols, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Nettle extract has been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
14. Guggul
.
Guggul, derived from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It contains guggulsterones, which have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Guggul extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
15. Milk Thistle
.
Milk thistle has been used as a herbal remedy for liver problems for centuries. It contains silymarin, a compound that can help lower cholesterol levels. Milk thistle extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
16. Oregano
.
Oregano is a popular herb in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its aromatic flavor. It contains compounds such as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, which have cholesterol-lowering effects.
Oregano extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
17. Black Seed
.
Black seed, also known as Nigella sativa, is a medicinal herb with various health benefits. It contains thymoquinone, a compound that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Black seed extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
18. Hibiscus
.
Hibiscus, known for its vibrant flowers, is a delightful herb commonly used in herbal teas. It contains anthocyanins and polyphenols that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Hibiscus tea has been associated with reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
19. Astragalus
.
Astragalus is an herb long used in traditional Chinese medicine for its immune-boosting properties. It contains saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
Astragalus extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
20. Saffron
.
Saffron is a precious spice derived from the crocus flower, known for its vibrant color and unique flavor. It contains crocetin, a compound that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Saffron supplementation has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
21. Ginkgo Biloba
.
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest tree species on Earth and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It contains flavonoids and terpenoids that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Ginkgo biloba extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
22. Rosemary
.
Rosemary is an aromatic herb commonly used in cooking. It contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that can help lower cholesterol levels. Rosemary extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
23. Licorice Root
.
Licorice root, derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties. It contains compounds called glycyrrhizic acid and flavonoids that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Licorice root extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
24. Passionflower
.
Passionflower is a herb known for its calming and sleep-inducing effects. It contains compounds called flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Passionflower extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
25. Reishi Mushroom
.
Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a medicinal mushroom with various health benefits. It contains triterpenes and beta-glucans, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
Reishi mushroom extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
26. Ashwagandha
.
Ashwagandha is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties. It contains compounds such as withanolides, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
Ashwagandha extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
27. Olive Leaf
.
Olive leaf, derived from the olive tree, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It contains compounds such as oleuropein, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
Olive leaf extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
28. Yarrow
.
Yarrow is a herb with a long history of traditional use for various health conditions. It contains flavonoids and terpenes that can help lower cholesterol levels. Yarrow extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
29. Milkweed
.
Milkweed is a herb known for its vibrant flowers and the ability to attract butterflies. It contains cardiac glycosides, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Milkweed extracts have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
30. Chicory
.
Chicory is a herb commonly used as a coffee substitute. It contains compounds such as inulin and phenolic acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Chicory extracts have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.