In this article, we will examine 15 of the best home remedies for high cholesterol. Each item on this list will also have a step-by-step guide on how to carry out the remedies.
High cholesterol is something that affects a lot of the older population, especially in the United States. It is often caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a sedentary lifestyle and a diet that is high in saturated fats. A number of other factors including excessive drinking, smoking, obesity, aging, genetics and other items come into play.
1. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds have been shown to lower cholesterol levels in terms of LDL, or the “bad” cholesterol. It also takes care of triglycerides. Coriander seeds also are good for diabetic management thanks to its hypoglycemic effects.
Necessary Items
- Coriander seeds or coriander powder
Directions
- Begin with the coriander seed powder. If you do not have this powder, you can roast the seeds and grind them up to make a powder.
- Add two teaspoons of this seed powder to one cup of water.
- Boil the mixture and then strain it down.
- Drink the liquid that is strained. You will want to drink it once or two times per day.
- You can add milk, honey or sugar and make it a replacement for your normal tea.
2. Onions
Onions are great at dealing with high cholesterol according to Hong Kong-based scientists. They found that onions can reduce the bad cholesterol while raising the good cholesterol. Because of this, the risk of getting heart disease becomes lower.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Bring water to a boil.
- Drop the onions into the bottom of the mug or mix the ingredient in.
- Add in a tea bag.
- Cover the onions with hot water.
- Let the onion tea steep it for 10-15 minutes.
- Drink the whole cup up to twice daily as a preventative measure.
3. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, which is commonly known as Amla, is able to reduce concentrations of lipids in the serum. A study that was published in the International Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences showed that this fruit is hypolipidemic, anti-atherogenic and antihyperlipidemic effects.
Necessary Items
- Indian gooseberry
- Water
- Tea bag
Directions
- Boil water on a stove.
- Place the Indian gooseberry into the bottom of the mug or mix the ingredient in. You want to make sure that it is thoroughly blended in.
- Add a tea bag for flavor.
- Douse the Indian gooseberry with water.
- Let it steep it for 10-15 minutes.
- Drink the entire cup up to twice daily for maintenance of cholesterol.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long since been known to help lower both your triglyceride and your cholesterol levels. It also can lower your acid reflux pains, gout issues, upper respiratory infections and high blood pressure, making it a solid catch all. Apple cider vinegar can be taken with water to help water down the taste.
Necessary Items
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
Directions
- Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. If you cannot stomach the taste of the vinegar, you can mix it with grape juice, apple juice, orange juice or another natural fruit juice.
- Drink this mixture two to three times each day for a minimum of one month for best results.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a saturated fat, so many might think that this oil would be counterproductive. In fact, there is no reason to worry. Coconut oil has been shown to increase the good cholesterol, HDL. It has lauric acid which is what accomplishes this feat.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Find ways to add in coconut oil to your diet.
- Only use organic, raw coconut oil for this; never use processed or refined coconut oil.
- Replace other oils that you would normally cook with, for instance. You can even eat it plain. It tastes just like coconut but it is thick and has a strange texture that some might not enjoy.
- Mix it into your morning coffee if you’d like as well.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a simple, yet efficient way to help reduce your bad cholesterol levels. It is packed full of soluble fiber and is able to reduce the absorption of cholesterol, helping to keep those bad cholesterol levels down.
Necessary Items
- One and a half cups of cooked oatmeal.
- You can also also try one cup of oat bran daily.
Directions
- Make the taste of oatmeal or oat bran more appealing by adding in strawberries, blueberries, bananas, apples and walnuts to your oatmeal if you’d like as well.
7. Fish Oil
Fish oil is full of omega 3 fatty acids that the heart craves. The body cannot make these on their own; eating enough of these good fat rich foods or taking supplements is important for your cholesterol levels.
Foods that are full of omega 3 fatty acids include: mackerel, tuna, trout, herring, salmon, bluefish, sardines.
Necessary Items
- Omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods or omega 3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil supplements
Directions
- If you take the supplements, follow the instructions on the bottle to obtain the best results.
- If you have access to some of the above-mentioned foods, eat them as often as you can as a part of your healthy diet.
8. Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice has been shown to harbor monacolins. These stop the synthesis of cholesterol, assisting in the lowering of cholesterol overall. It is rice that has been fermented by red yeast and has been used in Chinese medicinal practices.
Take around 1,200 to 2,400 milligrams of a red yeast rice supplement.
9. Nuts
Nuts are some of the easiest to get home remedies for high cholesterol. Most notably, the following nuts are able to reduce cholesterol levels significantly: almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.
These are rich in fiber and plant sterols which can help lower bad cholesterol. Walnuts especially are able to lower the overall cholesterol while keeping triglyceride levels down as well.
Directions
- Eat a handful of nuts or 1-1/2 ounces as a snack throughout the day, every day.
- Incorporate the nuts into your meals as often as possible.
10. Get a Cat
No, really–get a cat. Studies have shown that being around a cat has been able to lower cholesterol levels. Even the sound of their purr has been shown to help lower your risk of a heart attack. A study was conducted by the University of Minnesota Researchers. It spanned over 400 people during the course of 10 years. This research showed that those who had a cat had a 30 percent less chance of heart disease.
This may be because of their purr. Studies indicate that the frequencies found in a cat’s purr are good for healing injuries. This includes tendons, muscles, ligaments and more. So, get a cat. You could be getting much more than just a companion.
Directions
- Spend time petting the cat each day.
- Listen to it purr for as long as you can daily.
11. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are great for the health of your heart as they help to detoxify every aspect of it. Vitamin C also helps to reduce inflammation and triglyceride levels in the blood which can help reduce heart disease.
Vitamin C sources include: broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, kale, kiwi, lemons, limes, oranges, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, sweet potatoes.
Directions
- Prepare meals that are full of these foods.
- Consider drinking juices that consist of them.
- Try out vitamin C supplements.
12. Green Tea
Green tea contains a compound called catechin. Catechin has been shown to reduce oxidized, low-density lipoprotein. It was shown in a study in the year 2007 that six to seven cups of green tea daily helped facilitate a major change in their plasma LDL concentrations. You can get tea bags or make your own!
Necessary Items
Directions
- Get some water boiling.
- Place the green tea leaves into the bottom of the mug or mix the leaves in. You want to be sure that it is thoroughly blended in.
- Drench the leaves with boiling water.
- Let the tea steep it for 10-15 minutes.
- Drink the whole cup up to twice daily.
- This tea should help maintain cholesterol levels.
13. Blueberries
Blueberries are chock full of antioxidants which pose a number of heart healthy benefits. It also improves the function of the heart by reducing inflammation and helping it to beat at a more efficient and regular speed. Eating enough blueberries is as simple as adding them into your existing healthy diet in small ways.
How you wish to enjoy them is up to you; the important part is that you are eating them at all.
Necessary Items
Directions
- You can eat them in your salads or for breakfast.
- Enjoy a handful of them as a snack between meals, or make healthy smoothies out of them.
14. Garlic
Garlic has been shown to pose a number of heart healthy benefits as well. There was a study that was published in the year 2012. This study examined 26 different clinical trials and noted something important: garlic is effective in lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Garlic is also antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, helping to give the immune system a boost.
It may even improve the function of the liver and lower blood pressure as well. Try to enjoy the garlic fresh instead of cooked; even slightly cooked garlic loses some of its heart healthy benefits.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Eat fresh garlic when you can
- Cook fresh garlic into your food
15. Apples
It may be true what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. A study conducted in 2011 by Florida State University showed that women who were older that enjoyed an apple everyday experience much lower LDL levels–up to 23 percent lower.
This was lowered in only a course of six months. It even increased the good cholesterol, or the HDL levels, by a whopping 4 percent. The women who ate apples also lost around 6.6 pounds on average during this time period.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Enjoy apples in salads, on fruit trays, as a snack or for breakfast.
- Try to snack on them throughout the day.
Conclusion
High cholesterol can be alarming, but the knowledge that you are doing whatever you can to take control of your own cholesterol levels can help. Take note of the home remedies for high cholesterol in this article and try some out. Do you have a remedy that we forgot to mention? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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