28 Natural Home Remedies for High Cholesterol - Part 3
18. Artichoke
The fibers present in artichoke are
defiant to the action of enzymes. Hence, they have several advantages such as,
reduced blood cholesterol levels and triglycerides, decreased risk of obesity
and diabetes, reduced risk of being exposed to heart related issues. A 100 gram
portion of artichoke contains just 50 calories. It aids breaking down of fats
and in controlling cholesterol. Hence, it is strongly prescribed in order to
prevent heart diseases.
19. Pomegranate juice
Juice of pomegranates is
believed to diminish or at times even believed to prevent the buildup of
cholesterol in one’s arteries. This building up of cholesterol causes the
arteries to narrow down and even hardens them, paving way to heart diseases.
Pomegranate juice is also rich in
antioxidants, particularly health boosting polyphenols, which have the ability
to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol).
20. Orange
Oranges are not only excellent remedy
for cold and flu. The antioxidants & flavonoids content in these fruits are
responsible for decreasing LDL levels (bad cholesterol) in one’s body, as they
limit the assimilation of cholesterol in the intestine.
21. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberries (also called amla),
are natural hypolipidemic agents. It means that they support the decrease in
lipid concentrations in one’s serum. According to the International Journal of
Medical Research & Health Sciences, oranges have anti-hyperlipidemic,
hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic properties.
1. Take a teaspoon of amla powder (or dried up and powdered
Indian gooseberries). Mix this in one glass of warm water.
2. Consume this every morning - on an empty stomach.
22. Linseed
Linseeds are one of the foods that are
rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore, linseeds prevent cardiovascular
diseases and blood clots to reduce the total cholesterol levels. They decrease
the LDL (bad cholesterol) and boost HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Linseed’s
bark is resistive to gastric juice action and bypasses the digestion in
gastrointestinal tract.
23. Spinach
Spinach contains abundant lutein. This
substance keeps the walls of the arteries free from cholesterol and protects
from blockage. Lutein is also useful in old age people, with deteriorating
eyesight.
24. Alfalfa
The leaves of alfalfa contain saponins.
These substances block assimilation of cholesterol and avert the development of
atherosclerotic plaques. Foods prepared with alfalfa sprouts as well as its
leaves aids reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood. Saponins present in
alfalfa attach themselves to cholesterol thereby preventing its absorption.
Alfalfa is also said to have ability to ease atherosclerosis or plaque buildup
within the walls of arteries.
1. Take a tablespoon of alfalfa leaves. Add it to a cup of
boiling water and boil it for 15 minutes. You can drink as many cups as
possible in a day.
2. To improve the flavor, you can add lemongrass, honey or
mint.
25. Pulses
Pulses are very good at lowering
cholesterol levels - especially kidney beans, black/ butter beans, pinto,
chickpeas & lentils – as they contain high soluble fiber. One cup per day
would lower cholesterol levels significantly in a very short duration of time.
26. Apples
Apple pectin is a soluble fiber, which
helps in drawing out cholesterol from one’s system. Apples also contain
quercetin, a flavonoid, which is a great antioxidant that reduces the buildup
of bad cholesterol in blood.
27. Curd
People who suffer from high levels of
cholesterol should consume a small bowl of curd each day. Curd favors reduction
of cholesterol levels in one’s body.
28. Avocado
Avocados have high content of
monounsaturated fats. These fats increase the levels of HDL and reduce the LDL
levels. Avocados are also loaded with beta-sitosterol (a plant-based fat), that
is responsible for reducing the quantity of cholesterol one’s body absorbs from
food. These two properties of avocado make it a great source for fighting
against cholesterol. It can also be used as a substitute for butter and other
fatty foods.
