Herbs that Lower Cholesterol

Often, the levels of cholesterol in the blood become too high and such a condition is known as high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia. With high levels of LDL cholesterol, there is a greater risk in being affected by heart diseases as well as suffering strokes. LDL cholesterol affects the lining of blood vessels by irritating them and stimulating atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. It thus becomes imperative to lower cholesterol levels. Herbs that lower cholesterol are an effective and natural method that can provide the desired results. Niacin or vitamin B3 is effective in lowering cholesterol by reducing LDL cholesterol by ten to twenty percent and increasing HDL cholesterol by fifteen to thirty percent as well as significantly reducing lipoprotein A.

Another herb that lowers cholesterol is artichoke leaf, which works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that supposedly increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder, which together increase the excretion of cholesterol. Other herbs that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols that are naturally occurring substances found in some plants, and stanols can also be found in dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice as well as in dressings. According to research findings, plant stanols help reduce cholesterol, and being similar in structure to cholesterol, help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.

<< Previous    [1]  2    Next >>