Cholesterol Lowering Herbs: Lower Your Cholesterol With Herbs Naturally

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High Cholesterol: The Basics

High cholesterol affects more than 102 million Americans, roughly a third of the population. Cholesterol is produced by the body and found in certain animal products. Genetics, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet all contribute to high cholesterol. Cholesterol exists in the body as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol complexes. If levels of LDL cholesterol are high, it can clog up arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke. HDL removes LDL from the bloodstream and transports it back to the liver where it gets reused. Consequently, lower level of LDL cholesterol combined with higher levels of HDL cholesterol are optimal.

Treating High Cholesterol Naturally

Many herbs, spices, and plant extracts can be beneficial in treating high cholesterol. Of these, many are entirely risk free and can be very helpful. However, several of these compounds can have serious side effects, so it is important that you consult with your physician before beginning any treatment.

Common Spices Used to Lower Cholesterol

Several common spices reportedly have cholesterol lowering properties. Ginger, an integral spice in Indian cooking, helps thin the blood, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol. Another Indian spice, turmeric, contains the compound cucumin which is said to improve circulation and lower blood cholesterol levels. Other spices, more familiar in the U.S., also have cholesterol-lowering properties. Garlic, and its close cousin onion, can both lower triglycerides and LDL while boosting HDL. Finally, the fiery cayenne pepper can enhance circulation, normalize blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. Adding these spices to your cooking on a regular basis can help you control your cholesterol levels. None of them have any side effects (unless you count bad breath!). Benefits are twofold: better health and better cooking.

Artichoke and Olive Leaf

Studies have reported that the leaves of the artichoke and the olive tree can both help manage blood cholesterol levels. Extract from the artichoke leaf seems to limit the production of cholesterol in the body. A compound found in the artichoke, cybarin, is believed to help the liver produce bile and the gallbladder excrete it, two processes that may help the body get rid of excess cholesterol. Olive leaf extract, along with lowering blood pressure, may be beneficial in controlling levels of circulating cholesterol.

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber inhibits the small intestines ability to absorb cholesterol. The net effect is small (about five percent) and requires that you eat a lot of fiber. Nevertheless, including more fiber is a step in the right direction of a healthy lifestyle. Eating a lot of fiber is good for many other things as well such as protecting against certain kinds of cancer and controlling blood sugar levels.

Green Tea

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, highly reactive particles that may aggravate the problems caused by high cholesterol. Green tea may also have a more direct effect on cholesterol levels by lowering LDL.

Vitamin B3 / Niacin

Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing levels of HDL cholesterol. However, high doses of niacin may interact with certain prescription medications and can cause many unpleasant side effects such as gout, liver inflammation, ulcers, and high blood sugar, so you should only take it under the supervision of a physician. Policosanol The extract from sugar cane wax, policosanol, has been shown to lower levels of LDL and increase levels of HDL.

Guggul

Guggul is an herb produced from the bark of a tree in India. In its homeland, it's been used for a long time to treat high cholesterol and is widely prescribed even today. Unfortunately, guggul reduces or nullifies the effects of most prescription medications, so you should not take guggul or any supplements containing it if you are on any medication.

Sources:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/highcholesterol/a/highcholesterol.htm

http://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/InfoSheets/ANR/CholesterolFact.pdf

http://www.herbal-supplements-guide.com/lower-cholesterol-naturally.html

http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/herbstolowercholesterol.html

Photo Credit: Chiot's Run