High cholesterol levels are due to the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as bad cholesterol. Your body naturally produces this waxy, fat-like substance, as it is necessary in cellular makeup, fat digestion and several other processes, according to the American Heart Association. Too much of this compound, however, can lead to heart, coronary and arterial disease and requires moderation of consumed fats. Drinking certain juices may help to lower cholesterol levels while also providing other essential vitamins and nutrients.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is a super-antioxidant that helps safeguard the body against free radical damage due to metabolism and environmental factors. According to the book "Cholesterol Cures" by the Editors of Rodale Health Books, drinking 2 to 3 oz. of pomegranate juice can slow the cholesterol oxidation process by as much as 40 percent, thereby lowering buildup in the blood and arteries. Pomegranate juice is also rich in polyphenols, which are flavonoids present in common cholesterol reducers like green tea and dark chocolate.
Noni Juice
Noni juice is native to Polynesian cultures and serves as a medicinal beverage to treat many ailments. It may also help in lowering cholesterol due to the plant sterols that help to slow the absorption of bad cholesterol and elevate high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol, according to Neil Solomon in his book "Noni: Nature's Amazing Healer." MayoClinic.com warns that people with chronic kidney disease or those on blood pressure medications should avoid this juice as it can interfere with prescription drugs and raise potassium levels.
Lemon Juice
Lemon is a rich source of pectin -- the tissue contains approximately 30 percent of this compound, according to Theresa Cheung in the book "The Lemon Juice Diet." It is helpful in lowering cholesterol by moderating both fat and sugar absorption. Lemon juice also helps to curb hunger for up to four hours while also providing an ample amount of vitamin C, Cheung notes. If you regularly consume lemon juice as part of a balanced diet, it may help you to burn 30 percent more fat during moderate exercise, according to Cheung.
References
- American Heart Association: About Cholesterol
- MayoClinic.com: Noni Juice - Can It Help Lower Cholesterol?
- "Cholesterol Cures"; Editors of Rodale Health Books; 2007
- "Noni: Nature's Amazing Healer"; Neil Solomon; 1998
- "The Lemon Juice Diet"; Theresa Cheung; 2010
