LDL cholesterol is low-density lipid cholesterol, also referred to as "bad" cholesterol. It can lead to high blood pressure and heart failure. Less than 100 mg/dL is an optimal amount of LDL cholesterol to have, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Certain foods and herbs can naturally reduce the levels of your bad cholesterol. Consult your doctor to see which remedies are most suitable for your body.
Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber can be found in a wide variety of foods and supplements. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel-like substance. It can lower cholesterol levels along with glucose levels. Foods such as barley, oats, peas, beans, carrots, apples and citrus fruits are foods that act as natural and organic remedies for LDL cholesterol if you buy them fresh, uncanned and certified organic. Flaxseed is another way to increase your fiber, along with omega-3 essential fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol. The AHA recommends that adults and children should eat 14 g of fiber per 1,000 calories eaten each day.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a hot spice that can improve your blood's circulation by lowering LDL cholesterol. Bad cholesterol usually causes health issues because it clogs your arteries and reduces the amount of blood that can flow through the arteries. Your heart has to then work harder to pump your blood, and your blood pressure rises, like when you block a portion of the flow of a garden hose with your finger, which raises the water's pressure. You can buy organic cayenne pepper powder at health food stores. Start with 1/16 tsp. in a cup of fruit juice or fresh lemon juice, and increase the amount until you can tolerate ¼ tsp. per cup. Drink this daily.
Lose Weight
A natural way to lower your LDL cholesterol is to exercise and eat a low-fat diet with healthy, organic fats. If you lose even 5 to 10 lbs., you can begin to lower your cholesterol levels. Unhealthy fats include saturated fats and trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. Instead eat monounsaturated fats like olive oil, peanut oil and grapeseed oil.
References
- American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
- MayoClinic.com: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fiber/NU00033
- American Dietetic Association: Is Flaxseed a Good Source of Fiber?
- MayoClinic.com: High Cholesterol: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "The Health Benefits of Cayenne"; John Heinerman; 1999
