According to Discovery Health, changes in dietary habits and lifestyle are important ways of controlling your cholesterol. You should avoid saturated and trans fats, eat more whole grains and vegetables, give up smoking and step up exercise. While these fundamental lifestyle changes are the most important ways of controlling cholesterol, Discovery Health reports that some of the most common household items may have a beneficial effect on your cholesterol and triglycerides. While these herbal remedies may be a useful adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, they aren't considered a medical treatment for high cholesterol.
Garlic Extract
The Mayo Clinic reports that garlic extract may have the ability to lower your overall cholesterol, your low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, and your triglycerides. According to Discovery Health, garlic may also lower the levels of fat in your blood. Cooking with garlic or adding it for flavor may have a protective effect on your cholesterol levels. Garlic is not a scientifically proven treatment for high cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides, and the Mayo Clinic cautions that it may have drug interactions with blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix.
Artichokes
A healthy, high-fiber vegetable, the artichoke may also have some excellent cholesterol-lowering benefits. The Mayo Clinic reports that artichoke extract may decrease your overall cholesterol and your LDL cholesterol. According to Discovery Health, recent data suggests that the benefits of artichoke in lowering cholesterol may be greater than originally believed. Artichokes can be easily incorporated into salads or side dishes, or taken as an extract. There is currently insufficient scientific proof of the benefits of artichokes in treating high cholesterol, and the Mayo Clinic notes that artichokes may cause an allergic reaction or gas.
Green Tea Extract
The Mayo Clinic notes that this herbal extract, already known for its powerful antioxidants, may also provide benefits in lowering LDL cholesterol. Green tea can be consumed as a tea beverage, and is also available in various supplement forms. The Mayo Clinic cautions that green tea may also interact with blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin, and may also cause gas or diarrhea. Green tea is not a proven medical treatment for high cholesterol.
Ground Flaxseed
Known as a powerful source of Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed may also be a powerful herbal approach to lowering triglycerides, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, flaxseed may also interact with various blood thinning agents, including aspirin, Coumadin and Plavix, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Soybeans
According to Discovery Health, soybeans have the potential to lower your LDL cholesterol by as much as 20 percent when taken in doses of 25 to 50 grams daily. Soybeans may also inhibit the increase of LDL in people with normal levels, and may prevent the blockage of arteries. There is not sufficient evidence to substantiate the efficacy of soybeans in treating high cholesterol.
