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Viewing How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally with these Five HerbsHow to Lower Cholesterol Naturally with these Five Herbs
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High cholesterol is a universal problem. Elevated cholesterol is a condition suffered by 60 million Americans, and many more worldwide. Lowering your cholesterol by using herbs, therefore, is a subject of importance and interest to most. Read on! By Robert L Brown High cholesterol is a universal problem. It does not matter what nationality you are or what credo you believe in. Elevated cholesterol is a condition suffered by 60 million Americans, and many more worldwide. Lowering your cholesterol by using herbs, therefore, is a subject of importance and interest to most. Let us have a look at five herbs that are useful in achieving and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. These herbs are used in many parts of the world. You can take the herbs by themselves, or use a combination of two or more regularly to lower your cholesterol. 1. Guggulipid or Commiphora Mukul - This herb is better known as guggul, because it comes from the guggul tree. The guggul resin extract produces a substance known as guggulipid, which came into popularity in the 1980s. This substance has the ability to decrease your bad cholesterol (or LDL cholesterol) levels as well as the triglycerides in your body. Guggul can also be used to lower your blood pressure, insulin, and fasting blood sugar levels. The herb also contains gugglsterone, which is recognized for its ability to help your body rid itself of cholesterol. 2. Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper is not just effective in making dishes taste better, but it can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It does this by hastening the processing and excretion of fat. Known for literally being a hot herb, cayenne pepper powder is sourced from the fruits of capsicum frutescens and capsicum baccatum, which are dried and then pulped. It is more popular as a spice, but it has also been used for thousands of years (and up to now) as an antiseptic, analgesic, diuretic, and expectorant. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin (the chemical responsible for making the pepper hot), carotenoids, and vitamins E and C. Today, cayenne pepper is manufactured as ointments, capsules, creams, dried powders, and oils for the treatment of toothache, high levels of cholesterol, heart disease, and chronic pain. 3. Artichoke Leaf or Cynara Scolymnus - The cholesterol lowering effect of artichoke leaf has been confirmed by research. The same study showed that a person could lower his or her cholesterol level by up to 18.5% by taking in 1,800 mg of this herb extract every day for no less than six weeks. The cybarin content of artichoke leaf is responsible for hastening the production of bile in the liver, as well as for hastening the excretion of cholesterol through the feces. This herb also contains the antioxidant luteolin, which is said to be responsible for lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body. Doctors have been using medications containing cynarin since the early 1950s to help lower cholesterol levels in their patients. 4. Garlic - Garlic is a herb that has many medicinal uses. It can lower the bad or LDL cholesterol levels (by up to 15% provided a person takes a clove of garlic daily) while increasing the good or HDL cholesterol levels. Not only that; it can also reduce the triglyceride and blood pressure levels. This herb has been approved as a high cholesterol remedy in parts of Europe. 5. Alfalfa - The alfalfa herb works two ways: first, it lowers blood cholesterol directly, and second, it blocks cholesterol absorption in the gut. It is also known to attack the LDL cholesterol while increasing the HDL cholesterol level. Its saponin content is said to be responsible for its medicinal properties. The saponin binds with cholesterol, keeping it from being absorbed by the body. The alfalfa sprout, which contains 55% more saponins than other plants, is very effective in reducing the levels of cholesterol in the digestive tract. You have to be careful when purchasing alfalfa extracts, though, because some manufacturers use alfalfa root, which does not have the same saponin content as alfalfa sprouts. Herbs are an excellent way of lowering cholesterol, as they may be safer than medications used for the same purpose. However, you should always ask your doctor before taking any herb, as this may result in complications from other medications you are currently taking. About the Author: Related reading: Learn more details about ways to lower cholesterol plus herbal treatments for cholesterol - just click on the links above. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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