Cholesterol-lowering herbsis an excellent alternative to traditional medications used by people with high cholesterol or cardiovascular problems.Herbs for cholesterolcan be used preventively in people at risk, in the early stages of the disease and in more severe cases, as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment. Here are the6 Best Herbs for Lowering Cholesteroland Two Great Recipes forCholesterol-Lowering Herbal Teas !
Cholesterol-lowering herbs - garlic and ginger
In the case ofhigh cholesterol , in addition to a proper diet and avoiding foods that raise the level of bad cholesterol in your blood, it is important to take antioxidants and protective substances to prevent inflammation. These are substances that protect the body and protect it against aggressive oxygen. Such substances are included, among others. in artichokes, garlic, vine leaves, psyllium plantain, bilberry. Among thecholesterol-lowering herbswe find a reliable six, which in its composition contains substances needed in the fight against bad cholesterol! "
The best herbs for lowering cholesterol
1. Fenugreek
In herbal medicine, fenugreek seeds have been used since time immemorial. Longuse of fenugreek flour (25 g per day) can lower cholesterol by up to 25% . A similarly impressive result can only be obtained by the use of synthetic drugs.
Fenugreek can be grown in the garden as an annual plant.Seeds of this herb for lowering cholesterolare sown in April in a well-sunny patch. At the beginning of autumn, the plant will be able to collect fruit - pods, each containing 12-20 valuable fenugreek seeds.
2. Alfalfa
Alfalfa seed powder lowers cholesterol(by as much as 20%) due to its saponin content. They have the ability to combine with cholesterol, so it is not reabsorbed in the intestines, but removed from the body. Alfalfa, like fenugreek, is grown from sowing seeds in the second half of April. It sprouts best when the soil is moist.
3. Long turmeric and Javanese turmeric
These arecholesterol-lowering herbs , which are used to make a spice called turmeric. It is characterized by an intense yellow color and is one of the ingredients of the popular curry powder.Recent scientific research has shown thatturmeric not only lowers cholesterolbut also reduces plaque, which leads to better blood flow through the coronary arteries. Interestingly, we can also cultivate this plant by ourselves, planting turmeric bulbs in pots in spring. You can leave them at home or take them out to the garden during the summer. The bulbs are sold in garden stores as ornamental plants - they bloom nicely from May to June.
4. Common garlic
Garlic is a popular plant grown in home gardens and allotments. Garlic essential oil with a characteristic pungent smell contains allicin, a compound that works against many bacteria and fungi. This compoundlowers cholesterol and blood pressure , which is extremely important in antiatherosclerotic therapy. Crushed garlic cloves in a vinegar pickle, added to salads or other dishes, also effectively strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.
5. Medicinal ginger
Ginger root or rhizomelowers cholesterol and speeds up blood circulation . It is recommended to use ginger tincture three times a day for 1 ml (20 drops) to enhance blood circulation.
We can grow ginger by planting fragments of a divided rhizome in the pots. You can use fresh rhizomes bought for food, as long as they are free from signs of rotting or rotting. Before planting, the divided rhizomes need to be dried for several hours and then placed in airy, fertile soil. They should be provided with a temperature of 20-25 ° C, remember to water and it is best to cover the pot with foil to maintain high humidity. Remove the foil when shoots start to emerge, which usually takes place after 4-6 weeks.
6. Artichoke
Artichoke leaves contain derivatives of dicava quinoic acid, thanks to which you cansignificantly reducecholesterol (up to 15%!) And triglycerides.The preparation of artichokes is very simple, just simmer a few artichoke leaves for five minutes and drink the decoction regularly. Due to its bitter taste, we recommend drinking it cold. Common artichoke is grown from seedlings prepared in a heated foil tunnel or greenhouse.
Herb teas to lower cholesterol
1. Anticholesterol herbal tea from hawthorn, linden, nettle and motherwort
If you wantto lower your blood cholesterol level, you should drink a mixture of herbs in the form of an infusioncontaining hawthorn berries, linden blossom, nettle and motherwort. It is recommended to drink 600 ml of the infusion daily. Linden flowers and motherwort have a relaxing effect, and the linden itself additionally lowers cholesterol. Nettle strengthens the entire body, especially having a beneficial effect on the blood. Pour over approx. 20 g of the mixture of dried herbs with approx. 600 ml of boiling water, let it brew and strain. We can use a strainer to make it easier and sweeten the tea with honey.
2. Anticholesterol herbal tea from artichoke and greater burdock
To prepare this tea, we will need artichoke leaves and larger burdock leaves, 25 g each. Pour 2 teaspoons of the herbal mixture into a cup, pour boiling water over it, let it brew for a few minutes, strain and drink the infusion.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
