Herbs that Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol can be both good and bad, so it is important to understand what it does, how it can affect your health, and how to maintain a healthy blood cholesterol level. Cholesterol is essential for the development and maintenance of strong cell membranes, hormones and the manufacture of vitamin D. Your body manufactures about 1,000 mgs of cholesterol daily. Too much cholesterol can cause a thick, fatty build-up, which narrows the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. This accumulation of fat obstructs, or even completely blocks, the flow of blood to the heart and other organs.

'Good' and 'Bad' Cholesterol

There are two kinds of cholesterol- low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol; - this type is the one which increases risk of heart attack. Then there are also high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, - this is the one that actually reduces that risk.

How High is High Cholesterol?

Around 20 percent of Americans have high cholesterol levels and in the UK 7 out of 10 adults have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, yet few adults realize that elevated cholesterol levels are a direct cause of coronary heart disease. Cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, usually shortened to "mmol/litre" or "mmol/l". Measuring cholesterol involves a simple blood test. A blood sample may be taken either by using a needle and a syringe, or by using a finger prick. This may be done at a GP's surgery, at a hospital appointment, or as part of a health assessment examination.

Who Should Have a Test?

• Anyone at risk of cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, or stroke.
• Anyone, even children, with a family history of familial hypercholesterolaemia.
• Anyone aged 35 or over with a family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if they smoke.

Know Your Fats

The first step to preventing a heart attack is knowing which fats raise LDL cholesterol and which don't . Saturated fats and dietary cholesterol, raise blood cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats do not, in fact they may even help to lower LDL levels when they are included as part of a low saturated fat diet.

To Reduce Cholesterol :

• Increase fish meals to 3 times a week.
• Increase dietary intake of water-soluble fiber.
• Decrease saturated fats (animal fats, palm and coconut oil).
• When using fats, use monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Decrease high cholesterol foods (eggs, organ meats).
• Choose low fat milk, cheese and yogurt.
• Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Start an exercise program and lose weight if necessary.
• Stop smoking.
• Garlic, vitamin B3 (niacin) and soy protein are all foods that can help lower cholesterol as supplements to your diet.

Herbs that Lower Cholesterol

There is a growing body of research that shows a number of herbs which are effective for lowering cholesterol levels.

Gugulipid

Gugilipid is derived from the resin of the mukul tree (Commiphora mukul), which is native to India's semi-arid plains. It as been shown to be effective for lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. In India guggul has been used for many years to reduce elevated cholesterol levels, and has already gained prescription status. Compared to the Statin drugs, commonly used in Western medicine to control cholesterol levels, (which may cause liver damage), Guggul appears to be free of side affects.

Curcumin

Curcumin is also known as Tumeric root, and is a member of the ginger family. It has excellent antioxidant properties, and has been shown to be effective in treating a number of diseases including high cholesterol. It works by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestines, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and then stimulating the excretion of these bile acids.

Garlic

Garlic is a member of the Lilly family. Its active compound, allicin, is what gives garlic its distinctive, pungent aroma, and is believed to be responsible for its health benefits. Studies worldwide have shown that garlic is excellent at reducing total cholesterol and LDL levels.

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice has been fermented by a red yeast called Monascus purpureus. Recently, red yeast rice has been found, by both Chinese and American researchers, to be effective at lowering blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.