Effective Cholesterol Lowering Herbs To Use

Herbs are very important components of a plan designed to reduce cholesterol levels. Many are ordinary kitchen herbs; others are herbs which you may not be familiar with.

Several herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants and other compounds which reduce cholesterol levels. Peppers, mushrooms, flax seed, and garlic are all examples of cholesterol lowering herbs.

Let’s take a look at some of the best herbs that you can use for cholesterol reduction.

Shitake Mushrooms

Shitake mushrooms reduce unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels. They enhance immune system health too. A healthy immune system reduces inflammation. Inflammation plays a role in cholesterol development and complications, such as heart attacks due to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and fats called triglycerides.

Allium Family of Herbs

The onion or allium family contains foods which double as potent herbal remedies. Alliums include garlic, chives, leeks, shallots, and onions. They provide nutrients which relax the heart and blood vessels and reduce cholesterol deposits. Garlic is the most potent of the group .We will examine garlic extensively below as it is an exceptionally potent herb.

Garlic

Garlic has been the subject of hundreds of studies exploring its effect on cholesterol and other aspects of human health. Garlic does not just lower LDL cholesterol levels, it prevents heart disease, reduces high blood pressure and lowers triglyceride levels. It aids circulation to the legs, preventing leg cramps which are due to hardening of the arteries.

Eat a raw or lightly sautéed clove daily to enhance the health of your cardiovascular system. If you have a sensitive stomach, eat it with other foods. If you are on blood thinners or if you anticipate undergoing surgery within the next couple of weeks, check with your health care provider as he or she may advise you to temporarily eliminate this powerful herbal cholesterol reducer. You may purchase odor free supplements if you prefer not to eat garlic. Kyolic is an excellent brand.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another powerful herbal remedy which reduces unhealthy cholesterol levels and benefits the entire cardiovascular system, Cayenne helps the heart to beat more effectively without raising blood pressure. The herb is a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to prevent plaque buildup in the lining of the blood vessels. It helps to prevent blood clots, such as those that cause stroke, heart attacks and pulmonary emboli from forming.

Cayenne can help to prevent atherosclerosis, which results partially from cholesterol buildup. It dilates veins and relaxes them. Painful leg cramps due to impaired circulation are reduced. Cayenne offers health benefits for the entire body.

Use gloves and / or wash your hands carefully if you are handling cayenne pepper as it can cause burns. If you have digestive issues, don’t consume large amounts of cayenne if it causes you distress or if your health care provider advises you to limit consumption of this spicy herb. People who use the group of antidepressants called MAO inhibitors or are taking heart medicines known as ACE inhibitors should check with their health care provider.

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