Do This And Reduce Your Cholesterol Immediately

Do This And Reduce Your Cholesterol Immediately 

High cholesterol often is caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices like a diet high in saturated fats and lack of adequate physical activity.

Factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive drinking, aging (arteries tend to narrow with age), genetics, and certain underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney or liver disease also increase the risk of developing this problem.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance present in your blood that is needed for building and maintaining cell membranes, converting sunshine to vitamin D, and other important functions.

However, a high level of cholesterol, also called hypercholesterolemia, is unhealthy and can lead to serious and even fatal health problems. Cholesterol tends to accumulate along artery walls and increases your risk of developing heart disease.

Usually, blood cholesterol levels should remain below 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter of blood). It is considered borderline high when it is between 200 and 239 mg/dL, and when it increases to 240 or higher mg/dL it is regarded as high cholesterol.

Mostly, a test called lipoprotein profile is used to test the cholesterol levels in terms of total cholesterol (the sum of HDL, LDL, and VLDL), HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.

Of these, HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is considered good because it carries cholesterol to the liver where it can be broken down and reprocessed.

Although it is good for that reason, your body needs a certain amount of HDL to perform its function fully. Those with low levels of HDL are considered at higher risk of developing heart disease.

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, on the other hand, is considered bad. It is the cholesterol that tends to build up along the inner walls of the arteries and over time causes narrowing of these blood vessels.

1. Green Tea
The most consumed liquid after water, green tea is a rich source of polyphenols. These compounds provide immense health benefits to the human body. Green tea has the highest concentration of polyphenols associated with not only lowering LDL Cholesterol but also increasing HDL Cholesterol. A population-based study showed that men who drank green tea had lower cholesterol levels as compared to those who didn’t. Studies have indicated that the polyphenols of tea may block cholesterol absorption in the intestines and also help get rid of it. 2-3 cups of green tea is all you need.

2. Garlic
Commonly used in Indian cooking, garlic has been known for its health-enhancing properties. Garlic is made up of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and organosulfur compounds such as allicin, ajoene, s-allyl cysteine, s-acetylcysteine, and diallyl sulfide. These sulfur compounds are said to be the active ingredients that lend therapeutic properties to garlic. A number of scientific studies have proven garlic to be effective in reducing total and LDL cholesterol significantly. The evidence of its effect on HDL or good cholesterol is mixed, while one study reported an increase in the HDL levels another showed no effect. It was also found to have a positive effect on the blood pressure and the antioxidant potential of blood. Consuming 1/2 to 1 garlic clove daily could reduce your cholesterol level by up to 9%.

3. Psyllium Husk

In 1998, the US FDA approved of a health claim on Psyllium –“3 to 12 grams of soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease". Psyllium husk comes from the crushed seeds of the Plantago ovata plant and is a rich source of soluble fiber. There are innumerable studies to substantiate the benefits of soluble fiber in lowering LDL cholesterol. Adding 1-2 teaspoons of psyllium husk to our daily meals contributes the soluble fiber needed for keeping our cholesterol under check. 

4. Amla
It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C and phenolic compounds in addition to minerals and amino acids. The fruit of amla has been used in Ayurveda as a Rasayana for the treatment of various diseases. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology compared the effect of cholesterol-lowering drugs against Amla. In addition to reducing cholesterol, Amla was found to provide the additional benefit of protection against atherosclerosis and CAD. Daily intake of amla not only reduces bad cholesterol levels but also reduces the damage due to oxidation. One to two amla fruits can be consumed daily.

5. Fenugreek seeds
Methi seeds, as they are known to us, have been used as a popular culinary spice, flavoring agent and a medicinal plant since time immemorial. Methi seeds are rich in Vitamin E and possess antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Saponins found in fenugreek help remove cholesterol from the body and its fiber helps reduce the synthesis in the liver. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds daily is recommended.

6. Coriander Seeds
The humble Dhaniya seeds have been used in Ayurveda for a number of ailments. Among the long list, lowering bad cholesterol is one of them. Coriander seeds have numerous key vitamins like folic acid, vitamin A and beta-carotene, and most importantly, vitamin C.

These foods should be consumed in their natural form as a part of a healthy lifestyle to achieve your health goals. Medication to lower cholesterol should not be taken or discontinued without the doctor's orders.