Natural remedies for high cholesterol provide a way for you to improve your cardiovascular health without experiencing the side effects usually associated with cholesterol-lowering medications. These remedies are what is termed "heart healthy" by the American Heart Association because they can lead you on the road to a healthier functioning lifestyle.
Green Tea
According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking green tea can help you lower your blood cholesterol levels. Green tea serves two cardiovascular benefits. In addition to lowering your harmful LDL cholesterol level, it can raise your beneficial HDL cholesterol level, the clinic reports. Green tea contains a wealth of antioxidants that help to remove harmful cholesterol plaque from your arterial walls. According to the USDA , it is recommended you consume at least 600 milligrams daily in order to reap these health benefits. You can either take green tea in supplement form or drink it as a beverage.
Oats and Oat Bran
Both oats and oat bran can help to naturally lower your high cholesterol level. Oat bran, according to the Mayo Clinic, has been shown to lower total cholesterol by lowering your harmful LDL level. It is recommended you consume up to 150 milligrams daily of oats and/or oat bran to reap the cholesterol-lowering properties. The American Heart Association considers oat and oat bran as heart-healthy foods because the foods are known to protect and improve cardiovascular health by removing harmful plaque from arterial walls.
Flax Seeds
According to both the USDA and the Mayo Clinic, flax seeds may help lower both your triglycerides and high cholesterol levels. Ground flax seeds are more easily digested. Flax seeds are considered heart healthy seeds by the American Heart Association due to their plaque-removing capabilities. Plus, they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, the Herbal Supplements Guide website and the USDA say. The Mayo Clinic has recommended you consume between 40 to 50 grams daily of the seeds.
Fish Oil
High cholesterol can be lowered naturally by consuming fish oil, the Mayo Clinic recommends. The fish oil can be consumed in supplement form or obtained by eating fish. Fish are known for being rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, a component that helps to remove harmful plaque from arterial walls, the American Heart Association says. Fish known for containing rich amounts of these fatty acids include herring, trout, mackerel, sardines and albacore tuna. Salmon is particularly recommended by the Mayo Clinic due to its antioxidant content. The Mayo Clinic recommends you consume 2 to 4 grams daily of fish oil supplements, or eat fish twice weekly.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural blood thinner, the Mayo Clinic reports. This can help to lower your high cholesterol levels by keeping your blood from thickening and forming cholesterol plaques on your arterial walls. Garlic, according to the Mayo Clinic, also keeps blood vessels operating properly. The clinic recommends consuming 600 to 1,200 milligrams of garlic daily in order to reap the cholesterol-lowering effects. This amount can be divided into three portions throughout the day.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference; Release 20, USDA; 2008
- herbal-supplements-guide.com
