Natural Methods For Lowering Triglycerides & Cholesterol

If untreated, high cholesterol levels leave you at risk for several serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Cholesterol consists of two kinds of waxy substances in your bloodstream. The low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" cholesterol sticks to the lining of your arteries and can build up to form blockages. But there are also high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, the "good" cholesterol that helps your body get rid of the LDL. Triglycerides are fatty substances in your bloodstream caused by eating fatty foods. Before you begin using natural supplements to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides, consult your health care provider.

Artichoke Extract

Artichoke extract may help you lower your overall cholesterol levels by reducing your LDL levels, according to MayoClinic.com. That doesn't mean that ordering the spinach artichoke dip that is full of fat and eating it with those fried chips is a good idea. Use supplements or eat your artichoke steamed for the benefit. Some people may experience gas or an allergic reaction to artichokes. If you do, stop eating them and try another supplement.

Pomegranate

A fruit that has been getting a lot of attention for its health benefits is the pomegranate. Pomegranates have been found to lower overall cholesterol levels. One study on pomegranate that was conducted at Universita degli Studi di Parma in Parma, Italy published its results in the September 2010 issue of "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition." The researchers recommended further research to confirm their findings of pomegranate's positive effects on cholesterol. But you don't have to wait for more research to enjoy a glass of pomegranate juice each day.

Blond Psyllium

Blond psyllium may be a handy way for you to help lower your cholesterol, reports MayoClinic.com. But you probably are more familiar with this substance in fiber supplements, such as Metamucil. Besides providing a rich source of fiber to your diet, blond psyllium may lower your overall cholesterol by reducing your LDL levels. Some people may experience diarrhea or constipation if they don't drink enough water, gas or nausea when taking blond psyllium.

Turmeric

You may know of turmeric as a spice used in Indian cooking, but using it could potentially reduce your cholesterol levels, too. A study conducted at Ewha Womans University Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management in Seoul, Korea discovered this benefit of using turmeric. The results of the study were published in the June 2010 edition of "Nutrition Research & Practice." In the study, test animals were given turmeric for eight weeks and then their cholesterol levels were tested. The animals given the turmeric had significantly lower overall cholesterol and lower LDL levels than those in the control group.

Garlic Extract

Garlic supplements could potentially help you reduce your triglycerides and your LDL levels. MayoClinic.com cautions that taking garlic may give you bad breath, gas, heartburn, body odor, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea. Garlic may also interact harmfully with blood thinners you may be taking.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is another potentially helpful food for lowering cholesterol. Research at Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts studied if cranberries or cranberry juice could help with cholesterol. The study's results were published in the November 2007 edition of "Nutrition Reviews" and showed promise for reducing overall cholesterol and LDL levels in test subjects.

Oat Bran

Eating a bowl of oatmeal each day or foods that contain whole oats may help lower your overall cholesterol levels as well as your LDL levels says MayoClinic.com. Some people may have adverse reactions to oats, such as gas or bloating.

Cinnamon Oil

Researchers have studied cinnamon's effects on cholesterol levels, with positive results. One study took place at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, China and the results were reported in the August-September 2010 issue of "Food & Chemical Toxicology." Test animal subjects were given cinnamon oil as a potential treatment for Type 2 diabetes, but the researchers discovered a second benefit as well. The animals given the cinnamon had lower triglycerides and significantly higher levels of HDL. So, try adding a spoonful of cinnamon to your next pot of coffee, but avoid the temptation of a fat-filled cinnamon roll.

Flaxseed or Flaxseed Oil

Another natural way to lower cholesterol is with flaxseed oil or ground flaxseeds, says MayoClinic.com. Flaxseed in the diet may be able to help you lower your triglycerides but it may come with a few inconveniences such as diarrhea, gas or bloating. You should also talk to your health care provider to make sure it won't harmfully interact with blood thinners you take.

Green Tea Extract

MayoClinic.com reports that drinking green tea or taking green tea extract supplements may help you lower your LDL levels. Some people may experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or gas when taking the supplements. Consult your health care provider if you take blood thinners, to make sure that green tea extract won't harmfully interact with it.

Noni Juice

A tropical fruit that has been touted as a powerful aid to good health is the noni fruit, also known as Morinda citrifolia L. One study on noni took place at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, Illinois and its results were published in the September 2008 edition of "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition." Researchers were studying noni's liver-protecting properties when they also discovered its ability to lower triglycerides, LDL and overall cholesterol levels. Noni juice can be found in health food stores and most supermarkets.

Barley

Finding ways to incorporate barley into your diet may help you lower your overall cholesterol level by reducing your LDL levels, according to MayoClinic.com. This doesn't give you an excuse to drink lots of beer, one of the common uses for barley. Instead, try adding barley to your soups or stews for a healthy, delicious change.

Natural Methods for Lowering Triglycerides & Cholesterol