Cholesterol is required by the body to generate healthy cells and to produce hormones. However, too much cholesterol in the blood is a harmful condition for your body. High cholesterol levels can lead to the development of fatty deposits in the arteries or blood vessels, which in turn interfere with the flow of blood to the heart and thus raise the chances of heart diseases and stroke. Fortunately, high cholesterol is a curable condition that can be successfully prevented and treated with medications and lifestyle changes. A number of home remedies for high cholesterol are also available that can help you keep your cholesterol under control.
Three different forms of cholesterol are present in the body, low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein or VLDL cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol. It is LDL cholesterol that causes the buildup of fatty deposits in the artery walls and so is termed as bad cholesterol. The HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is valuable to the body, as it facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the body. The LDL cholesterol levels can be raised due to various factors, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and genetics.
Certain medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can also lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. High cholesterol does not have any symptoms and can be detected only through a blood test. It is recommended that every individual aged 20 years and above should check their cholesterol levels at least once in five years. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, consider trying home remedies for high cholesterol that have been proven to be effective in lowering and managing cholesterol levels.
You can make a big difference in your cholesterol levels by adapting some lifestyle changes. Stay away from the foods that contain saturated and trans fats, as they are the main culprits that increase the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Reduce your dietary cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day. If you have heart disease, be sure not to consume more than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol a day. Follow a diet that includes fiber-rich foods, whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, and heart-friendly fish. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of alcohol and avoid smoking completely. Exercises like brisk walking, running, bike riding, swimming, and yoga are best home remedies for high cholesterol levels.
Researches have shown that artichoke leaf extract is an excellent natural remedy for elevated cholesterol. Barley is another food that can help you lower your cholesterol levels. It contains beta-glucan soluble fiber that absorbs bad cholesterol and removes it from the body. Mix 2500 mg of blond psyllium powder with eight ounces of water and drink it twice or thrice a day. This is one of the good home remedies for high cholesterol. Eating a few garlic cloves everyday can also be helpful. Another way to control cholesterol level is to drink coriander water continuously for a few days.
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