Your BMI might be right at the point, you might not be fat, and you might not show any symptoms of high cholesterol. Until you go for a check-up or fall prey to heart disease or a stroke. So, before you deal with any complications, here are a few home remedies to lower cholesterol levels. Before we dive into the remedies, let us first find out what is cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in our blood. Our cells need cholesterol to function normally, and your body manufactures it. However, your cholesterol level increases when you start having fatty foods.
When you have more than the needed amount of cholesterol in your body, it starts accumulating in your arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. This may cause blood and heart issues like heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes.
The condition of experiencing high cholesterol in medical terms is known as hypercholesterolemia. There are mainly two kinds of cholesterol. These are low-density and high-density lipoproteins
What causes high cholesterol?
These are the most common factors that affect your levels of cholesterol:
- Foods rich in saturated and trans fats
- Inactivity
- Overweight
- Family History
- Age
Symptoms of high cholesterol
Most of the time, you may not realize that you have a high cholesterol level until you test. In some cases, people find about their high cholesterol levels after they get a heart attack or stroke. However, such situations only occur when high cholesterol levels lead to the development of plaque.
Home Remedies to Lower Cholesterol
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
Add 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil in a glass of water. Mix well and drink this solution. You must drink this solution twice a day. Lemongrass essential oil is popular for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It can lessen cholesterol levels and dilate your blood vessels for continuous blood flow.
- Holy Basil Essential Oil
Add 2 drops of holy basil oil and mix it n a glass of water. Mix well and drink. You should drink this juice twice daily. Holy basil oil is popular for its cholesterol-lessening effects, owing to the presence of a compound known as eugenol in it.
- Fish Oil
You must take 1000 mg of fish oil supplements. If you are not able to get these supplements, you can consume fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel. You must have these supplements daily. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Daily intake of these fatty acids is one of the easiest and best ways to lessen your cholesterol levels. They also help to keep the heart in a healthy condition.
- Garlic
You can add minced garlic cloves in your diet regularly by adding them to your dishes and salads. If possible, chew peeled garlic cloves in an empty stomach. You must consume garlic daily. Garlic consists of a compound known as allicin that gets released once you crush it. This compound lessens your cholesterol levels naturally.
Listed below are a few foods that can help lower your cholesterol levels:
- Barley
- Beans
- Oats
- Nuts like peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios.
Along with a healthy diet, following the above-mentioned tips can help you to manage your cholesterol level.
- Flaxseed
Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. Both flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain a high amount of alpha-linolenic acid. This is Omega-3 fatty acid that may lower the risk of heart disease. Some research suggests that flaxseed preparations may lower cholesterol, mainly among those who have high cholesterol levels and postmenopausal ladies. You can buy flaxseed in a grocery store or online too.
- Fish with Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are generally found in fish and fish oils. Fishes like tuna, salmon, Sardines, Herring, and other fatty fishes are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Experts believe that Omega-3 fatty acids in fishes help in reducing the risk of heart disease. Several studies suggest that other essential nutrients in fish, or a combination of those essential nutrients and Omega-3 fatty acids, may help in safeguarding your heart. Eating one or two servings of fatty fish a week may lessen your chances of dying from a heart attack. If you suffer from heart disease, you may also benefit from having Omega-3 fatty acid medicines or eating other food items that are rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids. For instance, canola oil, walnuts, and soybeans are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Coriander seeds
Coriander or Dhaniya is filled with high levels of antioxidants that helps in lowering cholesterol levels. They have numerous vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and beta-carotene. Boil one tsp of coriander seeds in water for two minutes, strain, and then drink it. This helps in controlling cholesterol levels.
- Indian gooseberry
Indian gooseberry or popularly known as Amla is rich in essential antioxidants and amino acids which are best for lowering cholesterol levels. Consume fresh amla every day or you can even drink a glass of lukewarm water by mixing 1 teaspoon of dried amla in it.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider vinegar acts as an effective remedy for lessening the level of bad cholesterol in your body. It is one of the popular home remedies to lower cholesterol levels. Add a tbsp of Apple Cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Mix it. Drink this daily for the best results.
- Red yeast rice
Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine and a popular cooking ingredient. It is made by mixing red rice with yeast. Some red yeast items contain substantial quantities of Monacolin. This substance is identical to the active ingredient in the cholesterol-lessening drug lovastatin. Red yeast rice products that consist of this substance can lower your cholesterol level. Some red yeast rice products contain no or little monacolin K. Some also consists of a containment known as citrinin. This containment can cause kidney failure. In most of the cases, there is no method to know which products contain citrinin or Monacolin K. Thus, it is difficult to tell which products will be safe or effective for you.
- Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb that supports the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is regarded as an “adaptogen.” It is believed that it protects the body against stress. Limited studies proved that astragalus may have some advantages for your heart.
- Lifestyle and diet changes
You can adopt a healthy lifestyle habit to manage cholesterol levels. For instance, you must stop smoking, control your weight, exercise most of the days, eat healthy food, including foods that are rich in soluble fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids. You must restrict your consumption of foods that are high in saturated fats. For instance, instead of butter, have olive oil. Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Medicines for controlling cholesterol
There are varieties of medicines for lowering high cholesterol. For example, your doctor may suggest Statins, Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors, Injectable medicines, etc.
However, to ensure effectiveness and safety, you should ask our doctor about which natural method would be suitable for you based on your health and lifestyle conditions. Some of the home remedies to lower cholesterol can interfere with other medications or cause severe side effects in some.