Taking natural cholesterol medications is one way to control cholesterol levels in the body. These natural medicines can help the body to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
The best natural remedy for high cholesterol are usually consumed as a complement to medical treatment to help control cholesterol levels while reducing the risk of complications, such as heart disease. Most of these natural medicines come from food ingredients, so they can be included in the daily menu.
The best natural remedy for high cholesterol
High cholesterol levels occur if the total cholesterol level in the blood reaches more than 240 mg/dL In order for cholesterol levels in the blood to remain normal, there are several best natural remedy for high cholesterol that you can consume, including:
1. Garlic
Garlic is known to treat various diseases, one of which is high cholesterol. The content of allicin or sulfur compounds in garlic is known to reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
This is supported by studies showing decreased LDL levels in the blood after consumption of garlic. However, you are not advised to consume garlic, whether in whole form, juice or supplements, in excess. Especially if you are consuming blood thinners or will undergo a surgical procedure, because it will increase the risk of bleeding.
To get the benefits of garlic as a best natural remedy for high cholesterol while remaining safe, you can eat foods that contain garlic, such as sautéed garlic beans, or take garlic supplements.
2. Ginger
Not only warming the body, this rhizome is also known to reduce LDL and total triglyceride levels, as well as increase HDL levels. This makes ginger believed to reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as being called the best natural remedy for high cholesterol.
To get the benefits of ginger as the best natural remedy for high cholesterol, you can consume ginger in the form of supplements, powdered ginger, or process it into tea or food.
3. Soybeans
Research shows that soybeans useful for lowering LDL and triglyceride levels in the body, so it can be the best natural remedy for high cholesterol. You can add various processed soybeans, such as tofu, soy milk, tempeh, to boiled soybeans, in your daily menu.
4. Red yeast rice
Fermented white rice is a cooking spice and herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine. Red yeast rice is also widely consumed as a supplement because it is believed to be beneficial for controlling blood cholesterol levels.
Red yeast rice is known to contain monacolin K, a compound that can lower LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood. This compound is found in lovastatin, which is one of the drugs commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol.
5. Soluble fiber
Soluble fiber will make the intestines absorb less cholesterol from food, so that cholesterol levels in the blood remain under control. Foods that contain soluble fiber are quite diverse and easy to process into various dishes. Examples are oranges, pears, kidney beans, whole wheat bread, potatoes, carrots and shirataki noodles.
Apart from food, soluble fiber is also available in various forms food supplements, like psyllium or acacia fiber. This food supplement can help smooth bowel movements while lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics.
You can choose from some of the best natural remedy for high cholesterol mentioned above to help control blood cholesterol levels.
However, keep in mind, consult your doctor first before taking herbal cholesterol drugs to find out their safety. This is because consuming natural ingredients may interfere with the treatment you are currently taking or have harmful side effects for the body.
The doctor may also provide recommendations for the best natural remedy for high cholesterol along with the dosage according to your condition.
Not only taking the best natural remedy for high cholesterol, adopting a healthy lifestyle must also be carried out by people with high cholesterol. The following are some healthy lifestyles for people with high cholesterol:
- Avoid high consumption of food trans fats, such as fried foods and fast food
- Increase physical activity by exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes per week
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress well, for example by doing meditation or yoga
- Maintain ideal weight.
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, you are advised to maintain cholesterol levels by using the best natural remedy for high cholesterol. You should also check with your doctor regularly if you have high cholesterol.
