[toc]Cholesterol is a very vital component of the body which is present in every cell of the body and is manufactured by the liver. It is fatty in nature and is very important for the daily functioning of the cells. Lipoproteins and responsible for carrying cholesterol in the blood. There are basically three types of cholesterol, mainly LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
A person is said to be suffering from high cholesterol when the deposit of cholesterol in the cells increases above the normal level. This raised cholesterol level is very harmful for a person and may even cause the arteries to become blocked by deposit of lipids. If left untreated for long, the high deposit of cholesterol may even cause major heart diseases. Below mentioned are some herbal remedies which help in lowering the cholesterol level of the body naturally without causing any side effects.
Artichoke is a very effective herbal remedy used for lowering high levels of cholesterol in the body. Artichoke leaves are rich in antioxidants and chemical compounds which help in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body.
The extract obtained from the leaves of Artichoke help in inhibiting the synthesis of lipids in the liver and encourage its subsequent elimination from the body. Artichoke is very good for problems of the kidney and is very rich in fiber content. Artichoke leaves can be consumed by chewing or it can be added to food to help lower the cholesterol level in blood.
Turmeric is a very useful herbal remedy used traditionally for lowering blood cholesterol. Turmeric helps in reducing the inflammation in the body tissues, thereby stimulating the flow of blood in the arteries by dissolving deposits in them. The dissolving of deposits or fats ensures that the harmful LDL cholesterol is removed from the body.
The curcumin in turmeric also helps in preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol in the body , thereby stopping it from being deposited in the body. Turmeric can be easily consumed by adding it to daily food while cooking.
Ginger is yet another very powerful herbal remedy used for lowering the levels of cholesterol in the body. Ginger helps in reducing the inflammation and also helps in improving the functioning of the heart by lowering bad cholesterol level in the body. It also helps in reducing the levels of triglyceride in the body and encourages the formation of good cholesterol.
Ginger also helps in preventing the blockage of arteries, this preventing incidences of heart attack due to cholesterol deposit. Ginger is readily available and can be added to daily cooking to lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. It can also be taken in form of herbal tea, extracts, pills, dries root powder etc.
Fo-ti is a herb used popularly by Chinese people to lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. Fo-ti not only helps in reducing the inflammation in the body but also promotes healthy blood circulation. Fo-ti has components known as lectins, which negatively affects the fat cells of the body and discourages there deposit in the blood vessels.
These properties of Fo-ti makes it a much sought after herb for lowering the levels of blood cholesterol in the body. Fo-ti can be easily obtained in the market and consumed for reaping maximum benefits.
Alfalfa is yet another very powerful herbal remedy used for lowering levels of cholesterol in the body. Alfalfa is rich in chemical components known as saponin, which helps in preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the cholesterol level in the body.
This herb also helps in discouraging the deposit of bad cholesterol in the arteries of the body, thus reducing instances of heart disease. Alfalfa is very helpful in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and promotes the deposit of HDL or good cholesterol. Alfalfa seeds are especially beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol and can be taken in form of extract.
Holy Basil or tulsi as it is commonly known is used traditionally as a herbal medicine to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. Tulsi is very effective in dissolving the deposits of cholesterol in the arteries and subsequently eliminating it from the body, thereby reducing the level of cholesterol in the body.
Tulsi is also famous for its adaptogen qualities, which helps it to maintain a balance of healthy cholesterol in the body. Holy basil is rich in components known as eugenol, which helps in reducing the lipid serum in the body. Holy basil can be consumed raw or added to food while cooking.