Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and affects men and women equally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adopting a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way toward helping you minimize your risk for heart disease. In addition to diet, a variety of medicinal herbs have been found to offer benefits that block fat absorption and inhibit arterial plaque formation. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider for advice on proper use and dosage of herbs.
Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called ajoene that helps prevent hardening of the arteries, according to Integrative Medicine Communications' book "Quick Access Patient Information on Conditions, Herbs & Supplements." Antioxidants in garlic also help prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which initiates plaque formation. Garlic can be taken in capsules of 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day. One clove of fresh garlic per day can also be used. The amount of active ingredients in fresh garlic and supplements can vary. Use a trusted source and work with your doctor to monitor your results and to ensure correct dosage.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is an herb that prevents arterial plaque formation by decreasing cholesterol absorption and increasing excretion of bile, which is made of cholesterol, says James A. Duke, author of the "Handbook of Medicinal Herbs." A study published in the October 2008 issue of the "Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences" found that alfalfa fed to laboratory animals on a high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks prevented progression of fatty deposits in coronary arteries. Alfalfa supplementation resulted in a modest decrease in low density lipoprotein, or LDL, the bad form of cholesterol and a significant increase in high density lipoprotein, or HDL, the good form of cholesterol. Always work with your doctor to determine what, if any, supplements are right for you.
Jiaogulan
A Chinese herb called jiaogulan clears LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream by blocking the absorption of fat and by promoting the conversion of cholesterol to vitamin D, bile acid and HDL, according to J.P. Saleeby, M.D., author of the book "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens." This herb also inhibits triglyceride production. Another function of jiaogulan that decreases cholesterol is its effects on the liver, where it promotes the release of sugar to muscles for energy instead of converting stored sugar into longer-term storage as fat. All of these activities together reduce arterial plaque formation. Discuss taking jiaogulan with your doctor to ensure your safety.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a component of many curry spices, provides anti-inflammatory benefits that discourage plaque formation and improve cardiovascular health, say researchers of a study published in the April 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." In the laboratory animal study, 400 mg per kg body weight per day of curcumin, the active component of turmeric, along with a high-cholesterol diet for three months, resulted in significant decreases in levels of inflammatory markers in the aorta -- the main blood vessel leading from the heart to the body. Researchers concluded that the turmeric extract was safe, nontoxic and may be a viable natural alternative or adjunct to pharmaceutical cholesterol-lowering drugs. Talk to your doctor before trying supplementation with turmeric, especially if you have a health condition.
References
- "Quick Access Patient Information on Conditions, Herbs & Supplements"; Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000
- "Pakistani Journal of Pharmaceutical Science"; Effects of Alfalfa on Lipoproteins and Fatty Streak Formation in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits; S. Asgary, et al.; October 2008
- "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens"; J.P. Saleeby, M.D.; 2006
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effects of Curcuma Comosa on the Expression of Atherosclerosis-related Cytokine Genes in Rabbits Fed a High-cholesterol Diet; P. Charoenwanthanang, et al.; April 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Facts
