Herbs That Lower Cholesterol
Often, the levels of cholesterol in the blood become too high and such a condition is known as high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia. With high levels of LDL cholesterol, there is a greater risk in being affected by heart diseases as well as suffering strokes. LDL cholesterol affects the lining of blood vessels by irritating them and stimulating atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. It thus becomes imperative to lower cholesterol levels.
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Herbs that lower cholesterol are an effective and natural method that can provide the desired results. Niacin or vitamin B3 is effective in lowering cholesterol by reducing LDL cholesterol by ten to twenty percent and increasing HDL cholesterol by fifteen to thirty percent as well as significantly reducing lipoprotein A. |
| Another herb that lowers cholesterol is artichoke leaf, which works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that supposedly increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder, which together increase the excretion of cholesterol. |
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Other herbs that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols that are naturally occurring substances found in some plants, and stanols can also be found in dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice as well as in dressings. According to research findings, plant stanols help reduce cholesterol, and being similar in structure to cholesterol, help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.
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One must keep in mind the need to maintain a healthy balance with vitamins, herbs as well as a good diet to keep the arteries smooth as well as clear. Garlic is considered the ultimate herb that lowers cholesterol, and has an antioxidant activity that can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation. Guggul is yet another herb that lowers cholesterol and comes from India and has been the basis of Ayurvedic medicine for over two thousand years to control cholesterol through its active ingredient called guggusterone that helps in increasing the rate at which the liver takes up and breaks down LDL cholesterol from the blood. |
One can also consume soy products as substitutes for meat and these are yet other herbs that lower cholesterol, which enhance liver metabolism of LDL cholesterol. They are also known to increase HDL cholesterol, and it is believed that 47 grams of soy may help in reducing total cholesterol by nine percent and LDL cholesterol by 13 percent. A herb that lowers cholesterol levels and which has been known to Europeans for some time is hawthorn, which is rich in bioflavonoids that helps in stabilizing collagen as well as reducing blood cholesterol.
Author Details:
Elizabeth Penning writes for various websites including, Hypo-allergenic Deodorant and The A to Z of with her main interests being holistic medicine and all things natural.
Article Source: Health articles directory
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