Lower Cholesterol Naturally — Some Practical Tips
For everyone, having a normal cholesterol level spells good health. Cholesterol has always been associated with health risks so there is a need to lower cholesterol naturally or through medicine. Interestingly, cholesterol also plays a part inside the human body. It performs some functions including building cell membranes and steroid hormones. Our bodies produce its own cholesterol. While cholesterol also has its function in the biological process, too much cholesterol poses health problems such as heart disease or stroke.
Cholesterol is a type of fat or lipid. Cholesterol travels in our blood stream referred to as lipoproteins. There are low density lipoproteins or LDL that can build up in the arteries posing a number of health risks, most especially heart diseases. Accumulated plaque of LDL can block the arteries thus restricting blood flow. Imagine a clogged straw in which you cannot sip your drink. On the other hand, high density lipoproteins or HDL are considered good since they pick up the LDL that clogs the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, having a cholesterol level of 200 is something to be worry of. For a person with cholesterol levels way beyond the normal, ways to decrease the levels should be practiced immediately. One effective thing to do is to lower cholesterol naturally.
If you intend to lower cholesterol naturally, it is highly achievable. However, doing so requires determination and persistence. You should religiously follow a cholesterol lowering program. People who want to lower cholesterol naturally are often those who do not want any synthetic medication inside their body. Some synthetic medicines have side effects that many patients do not want to experience. These synthetic medications do not work for everyone; hence, natural means could be good alternatives.
Below are suggested food you can eat to help lower cholesterol naturally.
- Oatmeal
- Flaxseeds
- Apples
- Almonds
- Garlic
- Beans
- Phytosterol-containing foods
Phytosterols refer to fat found in plant food such as nuts, fruits, vegetable oil and seeds. They help interfere the absorption of cholesterol. These block the cholesterol from the intestinal walls that lower cholesterol naturally.
- Soy protein
- Cordyceps Sinensis
If you love oats for breakfast, then you are almost sure that you maintain your cholesterol levels well. Oats are rich in beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a kind of soluble fiber acting like a sponge as it absorbs cholesterol. If you think plain oats and milk are too boring, you can always sprinkle cinnamon or dried fruits to make it more palatable and enticing.
These contain soluble fiber and lignin. They help in blocking the production of LDL while increasing your system’s capability to get rid of excess cholesterol. Flaxseeds can be sprinkled to oatmeal. Studies reveal that whole flaxseeds are more effective that flaxseed oil when you want to lower cholesterol naturally.
The skin and outer flesh of apples are very rich in polyphenols. These are kinds of antioxidants that can prevent the build up of bad cholesterol. You can eat apples in any way you want. Just don’t remove the peel to maximize the benefits and lower cholesterol naturally.
Almonds are known to be rich in flavonoids and vitamin E. Both are powerful antioxidants. They help prevent the oxidation of LDL, which also prevents plaque to build up in the arteries. It is best to eat almonds with their skin as these are loaded with flavonoids. You can make the serving more interesting by mixing them into your favorite yogurt.
Garlic helps lower the production of cholesterol of the liver. This is very effective if you want to lower cholesterol naturally. Chopped garlic has always been a good flavoring to your dishes.
Beans are known to contain special soluble fiber which ferments in the colon. The healthy bacteria eat the said soluble fiber the sugar content of the beans transform into short-chain fatty acids. These travel going towards the liver and act to hold back LDL cholesterol production and lower cholesterol naturally.
Soy protein helps in increasing LDL cholesterol receptors that improve the ability of the liver to get rid of cholesterol passing through the bloodstream. By simply ordering a soy latte from your favorite coffee shop, you can have the needed dose of soy protein. You can also try cooking dishes made of tofu. This can be a good alternative instead of eating meat all the time.
This is a traditional Chinese medicine, which could be a good alternative to lower cholesterol naturally. Cordyceps Sinensis is actually commonly used to soothe the lung and replenish the kidney. Many believe that this helps in eliminating fatigue. These days, it is often used to lower the levels of LDL and Triglyceride levels.
Aside from these, you should also appreciate the value of getting enough physical activities. This speeds up blood flow in the arteries, thus preventing cases of clogging. If possible, aim for 10,000 steps a day. If you manage to get exercise regularly you will surely lower cholesterol naturally.
These are alternatives to undergoing medication. Many cholesterol medications have side effects pushing more patients to try the natural means of decreasing the cholesterol inside the body. Unlike prescribed medications, these help lower cholesterol naturally without experiencing adverse effects on your body. You should take note however that you should still consult your doctor to determine the needed solution for your case. While these tips help lower cholesterol naturally, there are conditions in which synthetic medicines are needed. Severe conditions require intensive medication from the doctor.
Even if it is a cliché, you should understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is a cliché for a reason. For you to lower cholesterol naturally you need to assess your entire lifestyle. Get more exercise and improve your diet. Prevention is still way better than cure. Aside from saving your money, you are also saving your own health. Things will not come worse if you act immediately on your medical condition. Have your cholesterol level always checked. Health will always be your biggest wealth.